SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Drifters (12-18) closed the first half of the West Coast League with a series sweep over the Ridgefield Raptors, and are aiming to keep the momentum rolling into the second half of the season. 

Head Coach Jeff Lyle is feeling hopeful about the rest of the season. Lyle says the key to success is to “clean up some detail, clean up some of what people would call ‘small things.’” Lyle believes “if we do those things we will be in every game we play, and that’s all we ask whether we win or lose. We just want to compete and have a chance to win.”

The Drifters have battled adversity within the season, but managed to snag four series victories in the South Division of the WCL. A versatile line-up this summer has helped the Drifters navigate injuries, roster changes, and a fiercely demanding schedule.  

“We gave some games away. We learned a lot of things in the games that we gave away,” said Lyle. “I think we’ve made every mistake under the sun and it’s cost us in every way possible at some point, which truly has helped us in the last few games.” Lyle feels that cleaning up the mistakes has made the team stronger.

Cooper Mullens (University of Michigan) leads the Drifters offensively with 34 hits, the seventh most in the WCL, and 18 RBI. His success at the plate this year continues, as he holds the team-high batting average at .321, making himself 16th overall. Through smart base-running and assistance from his teammates, Mullens sits at 11th in the league with 22 runs scored.

Nolan Miller (University of Portland) trails shortly behind at 31 hits, ninth in the WCL. Miller has demonstrated his patience at the plate this season, helping him secure the 10th most walks overall, residing at a team-high of 19. Proving to be well-rounded in his deliverance at the plate, Miller also records the 12th highest on-base percentage overall in the league at .426. 

Adding to the versatile Drifters offense is Bryant Starr (Linn Benton Community College), who leads the team and ties for second in the WCL with eight doubles. Isaiah Ibarra (University of Southern California) leads all WCL catchers with a .310 batting average, and has a team-high on-base percentage of .443, placing him at 12th overall in the WCL. Showing some speed on the basepath is Jack Brooks (University of Oregon) who leads the team with 15 stolen bases on the season and currently sits at fifth most in the WCL. 

For the first time in franchise history, pitcher Billy Dotson (Ottawa University) collected a milestone of 100 career innings pitched on June 20th, earned through his three seasons in Springfield. Dotson has appeared in 12 games for the Drifters so far this year on two starts, and looks to continue to be an effective presence from the hill.

Leading the way this season on the mound is Kaden Harris (Lower Columbia College), who has achieved a team-high of three wins, and sits at a tie for fourth-most overall. Harris is tied for seventh in the league with two saves, and has spun himself an impressive 22 strikeouts. Another “Drifty” and noteworthy performer on the mound is Michael Klein (Fresno City College), who holds the team-high strikeouts with 23, and sits at 16th in the WCL.

The excellence of the Drifters pitching staff runs deep into the lineup with seven members in the WCL top 20 for appearances. Harris, Klein, and Caden Richardson (Linn-Benton Community College) are tied for the third highest total appearances with 13 each. Following in a tie for ninth is Jack Klee (Chemeketa Community College) and Tre Lagrone with 11 appearances each. Dotson and Sonny Pena finish the list for the Drifters with 10 appearances each, tying for 16th overall. 

While the Drifters are the stars on the field, the Springfield community has repeatedly shown up and been the outstanding stars off the field. Thanks to the unwavering support from Drifters Nation, the series finale against the Ridgefield Raptors earned a franchise attendance record of over 2,400 fans in attendance at Hamlin Sports Complex for their 3rd of July Fireworks Night presented by Les Schwab Tires. 

“Now everywhere I go, I seem to get a lot of ‘Go Drifters,’ and not even being in uniform,” says Lyle. “I know that our kids are throughout the public and out in the community, [and] get a lot of ‘Go Drifters’ and get a lot of support, so it’s everything to have the support of the community.”

Some of the most memorable promotional nights of the first half of the season include the Cap Giveaways, including the Limited Edition Drifters Camo Cap to help celebrate our veteran and active-duty military members during our Military Appreciation Night on June 22. Additionally, for the first time, the Drifters partnered with Greenhill Humane Society to host the annual Drifters Dog Days, where Drifters dogs of all breeds were welcomed into the ballpark for a beautiful night of baseball and Pup Cups. Other noteworthy promos include the Willamette Valley Babe Ruth Night, First Responders Appreciation, Food for Lane County Night, Healthcare Appreciation Night, and East Lane Little League Night supporting our local future Drifters.

The second half of the league offers even more promotions to look forward to, starting on July 9th. Be sure not to tell Rapid, but Drifters Nation is throwing Rapid’s Surprise Birthday Party to celebrate Springfield’s favorite mascot turning four years old! Join us for treats, local mascots, and a night Rapid won’t forget.

Nothing screams summer more than an outdoor movie night. Stop by Hamlin Sports Complex on July 11th where the Drifters are partnering with Eugene Little League for a screening of the iconic baseball movie “The Sandlot” on the field after the game ends.

Partnered with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life, Drifters Nation will be hosting our Knock Cancer Out of the Park evening to celebrate cancer survivors and support the members within the Springfield community who are actively fighting their battle. Don’t miss another Limited Edition Cap Giveaway for the first 150 fans!

Parents, be sure to stop by for Back to School night partnered with the Hope Project on August 1st, where students in attendance will walk away with a brand new backpack and other supplies to prepare for the upcoming school year!

Looking for more promotions? Be sure to check out the full list of promo nights here, or visit the “Promo Nights” section in the “Schedule” tab on our website.

There’s still a whole lot of Drifters baseball to catch for the 2025 season, including eight straight home games from July 8-15. Reserve your tickets here or check out the “Tickets” tab on our website. Even better, reserve a Drifters Party Deck to host up to 30 people with pizza, drinks, and a privately shaded area with tables and chairs, with the best view in the stadium! For more information, click here or look under the “Party Deck” section of the Tickets tab.

UP NEXT: The Springfield Drifters will embark on their eight-game homestand in a series against the Yakima Valley Pippins beginning on Tuesday, July 8th. Game one of the series is set to start at 6:35pm at Hamlin Sports Complex.