On Saturday (3/22) the Vashon Pirates traveled to Mason County to take on the High Climbers of Shelton High School. It was a beautiful day for baseball. Wes Paulsen started the game on the mound for the Pirates. He pitched a very nice game keeping the Shelton hitters off balance most of the afternoon. He scattered eight hits, struck out three, and walked only two batters. Paulsen started to tire in the sixth inning and left the game with a 2-1 lead and two runners on base. Unfortunately, reliever Chris Allman was unable to protect the lead as both runners scored resulting in a 3-2 score in favor of Shelton heading into the final frame. In the Vashon seventh, by virtue of a dropped infield pop up and a balk, the Pirates had a runner in scoring position, but were down to their last out. Adam Powelson stepped up and poked a clutch single to right field to tie the game. However, the tie didn't last for long, as Shelton was able to push the winning run across in the bottom of the 7th recording a 4-3 victory. The Pirates were only able to muster five hits, all of them singles. The hits were collected by Chris Pieterick, Powelson, Nathan Ott, Joe Gilmore, and in his first appearance of the year, Evan Bell. Defensively, Vashon turned two double plays: a come backer to Paulsen on the mound-then second to first and an unassisted double play by Justin Calhoun who caught a scorching line drive and doubled the runner. Catcher Tom Schumaker had his usual solid game behind the plate throwing out the only runner who dared test his arm. The "heads up" play of the day goes to first baseman Nathan Ott who noticed that a Shelton runner had missed first base on his way to second. He asked for the appeal play and the runner was called out. Coach Hall's starting lineup: Chris Pieterick (ss), Adam Powelson (lf), Chris Allman (cf), Tom Schumaker (c), Justin Calhoun (2b), Nathan Ott (1b), Evan Bell (3b), Wes Paulsen (p), and Joe Gilmore (rf). Reserves: Ryan Johnson and Peter Johnson. The Pirates are scheduled to play Shelton again this coming Saturday at the Vashon field. The next game however is on Wed (3/26) at Life Christian. Game time is 4pm at Heidelberg Park. Come on down! Game pictures, as always, can be found at the "pictures" link over on the right hand side of the page.
