By Chris Trujillo
Herald Writer
CHEHALIS – The Ridgefield Spudders scored early and often, capturing a 10-4 victory over Granite Falls during Saturday’s first-round, loser-out game in the Region II baseball tournament played at Bearcat Stadium in Chehalis.
Granite Falls, which won seven of its last 10 regular season games, finished the season with an overall record of 11-12. Ridgefield, located in Southwest Washington, extended its winning streak to four games, and has won 14 of its last 15 games.
“We had our chances,” Granite Falls coach Doug Engstrom said. “We knew they could hit the ball and that’s what they did today.”
Ridgefield collected seven of its 12 hits from its Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6 batters. Senior Drew Schaffer, batting in the No. 3 slot, led the Spudders with two hits, including a third-inning triple, and two RBI. Pitcher Nick Patee, who was 2-for-4 with a pair of singles, struck out eight batters and gave up six hits to collect the complete-game victory.
“We have a tough lineup,” Ridgefield coach Art Osmundson said. “They can score a lot of runs. We have basically been a come-from-behind team. So after we scored six runs in the first inning, it was important that we stayed focused.”
The Spudders (17-3) set a commanding tone early, scoring six runs off five hits in the first-inning with two-outs to take a 6-0 lead. Joel Fern doubled in two runs and Zach Parnell knocked in two more runs when his lazy single drifted over the reach of the second baseman.
Granite Falls scored two runs in the second inning and one in the third inning to cut the lead in half. Abel Lau stole home and Derek Mullins hit a RBI single to keep Granite Falls alive. Shane Strimple stole three consecutive bases, including home to narrow the score to 6-3.
Ridgefield, however, scored four runs off four Granite Falls’ errors in its half of the third inning, wiping out Granite Falls’ rally and taking a 10-3 lead.
“I don’t want to blame anyone for what happened,” Engstrom said. “Our effort was good. We didn’t get down after they scored those six runs in the first inning.”
Granite Falls’ No. 9 hitter and losing pitcher Mullins, who threw 4 1/3 innings before being relieved, led the team with two hits, including a double and an RBI.
Mullins, Haug (5) and Peden. N. Patee and Hefflin. WP-Patee. LP-Mullins. 2B-Mullins (GF), Fern (R). 3B-Schaffer (R). Records-Granite Falls 11-12 overall. Ridgefield 17-3.
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