The Vashon Pirates visited the defending state champion Chimacum Cowboys on Friday (March 23rd) and came away with a 13-1 loss. The Cowboys put the game away early with five runs in the first and eight more in the second. Erik Powelson started on the mound for the Pirates, but lasted only two innings. Josh Myer pitched the final two frames. Vashon hitters managed only one hit in two innings against highly regarded Chimacum hurler Landon Cray, who also struck out five batters and had no walks. Cray is a 3-time MVP senior for the Cowboys, who have seven of nine starters from last year’s championship team.
The Pirates fared somewhat better against Chimacum’s second pitcher, picking up three hits over three innings. The four Vashon hits (all singles) went to Zack Drape, Ezra Lacina, Kelly Sullivan, and Myer. The Pirate defense contributed to the lopsided loss with five fielding errors.
The final line score: Chimacum 13 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors Vashon 1 run, 4 hits, 5 errors.
Coach Hall summarized the start of the season:
"The team has been through four weeks of cage and gym practice with few days on the field and only two games played. We have seven out of nine new starters this year. Losing ace Tyler Bernheisel to graduation left a big hole on the mound and we're sorting out roles for this staff right now. Freshman Josh Myer has looked good in both outings and did an outstanding job against Chimacum, not giving up a hit in his two innings.
Facing the state champions definitely lets you know what you have to get better at because they exploit every mistake you make. All in all, despite the scores so far, I think that this team is going to get better every week. It really just depends on how hard they are willing to work, because with the rain-out schedule it will be a test of not only physical ability and who's hot at the end, but who is the toughest team mentally on the field!"
Next up is a home game against Orting on Tuesday, March 27.
