Photo by Matt Filar/Humboldt Crabs Baseball – Former Crabs player and manager Matt Nutter speaks to the crowd at the Arcata Ball Park on Friday night.

The Humboldt Crabs won their series opener against the West Coast Kings on Friday night to kick off a busy weekend honoring their alumni.

Before Friday night’s game, which the Crabs won 4-2, the club unveiled a new “Nutter” sign on the left field wall to honor the contributions of the Nutter family, who have had a huge influence on the history of the club, including former player, board member and manager Matt Nutter.

The festivities will continue on Saturday with a full schedule of fan favorite events planned.

The 2024 Crabs Hall of Fame Class will be introduced to the crowd before their game with the Kings, and a fireworks display will be held after the game.

This year’s hall of fame class includes Al Brisack (1989-1990 and 1996-1999), Matt Tomlin (1995-1998), Greg Lorenzetti (1980-1981), Brandon Marcelli (2000-2003), Reggie Christiansen (1995-1996, 2000), Fred Lomeli (groundskeeper) and the 2015 Team.

The new hall of famers will be introduced to the crowd at 6 p.m.

Gates open at 5:30 and first pitch is scheduled for 6:30.

The Alumni Fest will also include a group photo of the 2024 team and alumni, as well as an alumni and parents meal in right field for players of this year’s team and their parents.

On Friday, the Crabs finally won game one of a Pacific Empire League series.

The Crabs, who have battled back from a series-opening loss to take each of their last three PEL series, opened up a four-run lead on Friday and held on down the stretch.

2023 team MVP Billy Ham led the way on offense and finished 3-for-4 with an RBI, while Keoni Coloma was 1-for-2 with his second home run of the summer.

Jett Ruby also was 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored.

Caleb Nieman got the win on the mound in relief.

The Arizona native pitched 1.1 innings and gave up two earned runs on two hits and two walks.

Andrew Overland got the start and threw six scoreless innings, allowing six hits and two walks and striking out five.

Club veteran Caleb Ruiz got his first save of the summer, allowing two hits and no walks in the final 2.2 innings and striking out three.

Seth Gwynn led the Kings at the plate and finished 3-for-5 with an RBI.

With the win, the Crabs improved to 21-11 on the season, while the Kings dropped to 4-10.