By Olivia Krueger, Sports Editor
In a crucial game for playoff contention against the Edison Chargers, the Barons gave a lackluster performance against their arch-rivals. Despite what seemed to be a strong start, the Barons’ pitching and defense quickly wavered and resulted in a 6-10 loss.
“This was a big game for us. We needed to win this game, and now Friday becomes a must-win for us,” said head coach Deric Yanagisawa.
Pitcher junior Jackson Ouellette started on the mound today for the Barons and, while giving up a walk and a single, pitched a scoreless first inning.
The Barons’ offense attacked the Chargers’ pitching the first chance they got, coming up with a single from senior Conrad Villafuerte and an RBI from Sophomore Cole Wentz. Senior Noah Amenta followed up with a hit to shallow right field but Wentz misjudged the ball and was thrown out at home attempting to score, however, the Barons had the lead 1-0.
After another scoreless inning from Ouellette, sophomore Jake Brooks took first base after getting hit by a pitch. Senior Jake Bitzer hit a comebacker to the pitcher to ultimately end in Brooks getting tagged out in a pickle. With runners on first and third, senior Evan Mak hit for a bunt single to load the bases for Villafuerte. Two runners scored after a single from Villafuerte and one more scored after a ground rule double from Wentz. With two runners on, Amenta singled to right field to score to more and the Barons were leading 6-0 after two innings.
Ouellette was pulled in the top of the third inning after giving up four runs and was replaced by junior Luke Bundeson. Bundeson gave up one inherited run but finishes the inning with the score now 5-6.
The Barons were sat down in order, and Bundeson returned for his second inning of work. However, after a walk and a hit batter, Bundeson was replaced by Wentz. Wentz promptly gave up an inherited run but managed to get out of the inning with the Barons’ lead gone and the score tied 6-6.
The Barons’ offense was nowhere to be found and the pitching appeared to be just as lost also.
“We didn’t locate very well; we had too many walks. When your starting pitcher can only go two and a third, you put a big strain on your bullpen,” said Yanagisawa.
Wentz gave up four more runs and was switched out for sophomore Jake Brooks, who stopped the bleeding to get out of the fifth inning with the Barons trailing 6-10.
Brooks and senior Michael Klug shut down the Edison offense for the rest of the game and the final score was a devastating 6-10 loss.
“We didn’t play very good baseball at all. We came out swinging the bats well, but our pitching was terrible today, all the way throughout.”
The Barons are now tied for third with Edison in the Sunset League with a 6-6 record. The final game will be on Thursday, May 10 against the Marina Vikings at home.
