Edmonton Riverhawks earn spot in WCL playoffs for first time

File photo. The Edmonton Riverhawks in action during the 2023 West Coast League baseball season at Remax Field, their home ballpark. (CTV News Edmonton)

For the first time in franchise history, the Edmonton Riverhawks are going to the West Coast League playoffs.

The team solidified its spot with a 15-4 win against the Nanaimo NightOwls Monday evening.

The divisional series starts Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. MT.

That evening, Edmonton will host the Bellingham Bells from Washington State.

Bellingham will host Game 2 and 3 if one is necessary.

The Riverhawks had two more regular-season games to play in Nanaimo Tuesday and Wednesday when the playoff spot was confirmed. They beat Nanaimo on Tuesday.

The team was founded in 2020 but it did not begin to play until 2022 because the WCL cancelled its 2021 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WCL currently consists of 16 teams.