EVERETT, WA (NEWS1130) – The Vancouver Canadians are a step closer to defending their Northwest League title as they moved on to the championship series with a 7-4 victory over the Everett AquaSox to earn a series sweep.

Art Charles got Vancouver off to a quick start as he connected for a three-run homer in the top of the first inning to open the scoring.

The C’s kept the offence coming in the second as Jorge Flores drove in Tucker Frawley with a double and then came home to score on an error to make it 5-0 for Vancouver.

The ‘Sox broke the shutout with a single run in the fourth inning, but a balk and wild pitch in the sixth handed Vancouver a pair more runs and a 7-1 advantage.

Things got interesting for the Canadians in the seventh. With a pair of runners on base, Michael Faulkner belted a triple and then he reached home on a pass ball, cutting Vancouver’s lead to 7-4.

That was as close as Everett would come as the Canadians closed out the final two innings, allowing just one more base runner the rest of the way.

Taylor Cole recorded the win for Vancouver as he allowed just one unearned run on five hits, while striking out three in six innings of work.

The Canadians will open up the championship series at home on Thursday against the winner of the East division series between Yakima and Boise.

Vancouver is looking to defend its title after winning it’s first Northwest League championship last season.