LOCAL WATCH: Dillon collects win in first start for Drifters

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — Sandpoint High 2023 graduate and Yakima Valley College redshirt freshman Austin Dillon pitched the Springfield Drifters to a 7-5 non-league win over the Northwest Star Nighthawks of Ridgefield, Wash., this past Friday at the Hamlin Sports Complex.

Dillon, in his second year competing for the Drifters, which are a part of the West Coast League, struck out five batters over four innings in his first start of the season while allowing just three hits, two walks and an earned run. Across three appearances, the 6-foot 4-inch right-hander owns a 5.14 ERA across seven innings and has fanned eight batters.

The West Coast League is a summer collegiate baseball league designed to develop talent from all levels of collegiate baseball ranging from junior colleges to NCAA Division I programs. The league, founded in 2005, has produced dozens of professional players, including a number of major leaguers. Currently, the league has 17 teams in total, and the Drifters compete in the South Division against teams like the Walla Walla Sweets, Yakima Valley Pippins, Ridgefield Raptors, Portland Pickles, Marion Berries, Cowlitz Black Bears, Corvallis Knights, Bend Elks and more. The WCL's season typically runs from early June through the middle of August and contains 54 games.

The Drifters (5-3), which are riding a 4-game winning streak, will travel to face the Corvallis Knights on Thursday and Friday and round out the week with home games against the Portland Pickles on Saturday and Sunday.