On Tuesday, March 22, the Pirates opened league play against Charles Wright at home. The Tarriers struck first with a run in the top of the first inning but Vashon scored three in the bottom of the second aided by a key throwing error by the Charles Wright pitcher. The score remained 3-1 until the top of the sixth when the Tarriers scored two as Vashon’s starting pitcher Tyler Bernheisel began to tire. The Pirates struck back in the bottom of the inning as Erik Powelson singled to right and advanced to second on an error. Ezra Lacina stepped to the plate and singled, driving in Powelson. The Tarriers tied the score in the top of the seventh, but Vashon shortstop Ben Reoux made two key defensive plays to stop the rally. In the bottom of the seventh Bernheisel led off with a base hit and advanced to second on a pitch that got past the catcher. Julian Smith singled down the left field line and with Bernheisel running at full steam Coach Hall sent him home. The Charles Wright left fielder made a strong throw but Bernheisel slid under the catcher’s tag for the win.
Hitting highlights included Peter Johnson going 2 for 4, Lacina hitting 2 for 3 with a double, and Zack Drape's 2 for 4. On the pitching side, Bernheisel surrendered just one earned run over six innings. Smith closed out the game in the seventh giving up a lone run.
Line score: Vashon 5 runs 9 hits 2 errors, Charles Wright 4 runs 7 hits 4 errors. This was a key win for the Pirates as Charles Wright was undefeated and is a strong Nisqually League team. Next up Vashon hosts the Chimacum Cowboys Friday March 25. Chimacum finished second in state last year and will make a strong run for the State title again this year
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