Rapid redemption

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is watching an athlete bounce back from failure.

It happened Tuesday when I covered the Monroe versus Stanwood baseball game. In the bottom of the second inning, Monroe right fielder David Brakke misplayed a fly ball for an error. It let Stanwood’s first hitter get on base and could have opened the door for a big inning by the Spartans.

But the Bearcats, leading 1-0, got three consecutive outs and maintained their early advantage.

The next inning Brakke, a senior, was tested immediately. Stanwood’s first batter smacked the ball to right field. This time Brakke confidently sprinted in and made a diving catch.

Later, Brakke’s day got even better.

After hitting a run-scoring single in the top of the fifth, giving Monroe a 4-0 lead, Brakke generated another defensive highlight. With one out for Stanwood in the bottom of the fifth, Brakke snared a line drive and quickly threw to first base to complete a huge inning-ending double play.

Brakke made up for his early miscue and Monroe won 4-2.

Said Monroe coach Neil Henderson, “That was outstanding, especially after he had dropped one earlier. To be able to make up for it like that was nice.”

Monroe (7-1 overall) improved to 4-0 in Western Conference North Division games yesterday with its second victory against Stanwood in three days. The Bearcats are tied with unbeaten Snohomish (4-0 Wesco North, 6-0 overall) for first place.

A lot can happen over the next few weeks, but it seems that the North champion could be crowned April 28-29 when Monroe and Snohomish end the regular season with a two-game series.