By Chris Trujillo
Herald Writer
CENTRALIA – Each time the mighty North Thurston Rams thought they’d delivered the final punch, the underdog Meadowdale Mavericks came strolling back with one of their own.
But in the end, it was North Thurston pitcher Dustin Ibarra’s fatal blow that sent the Mavericks down for the count.
Ibarra broke open a one-run game with a sixth-inning, three-run home run to lead the Rams to a 13-7 victory to capture the Region III championship on Saturday at Wheeler Field in Centralia.
“Every time we’ve been pushed, we’ve answered back immediately,” North Thurston coach Barry Traynor said. “This team is so focused. We’ve worked very hard to get in the position we are in. The hard part is over. Playing a doubleheader can really take a lot out of a team.”
The Rams, who have won 21 consecutive games, remained undefeated and advanced to next week’s state tournament. The Mavericks, who took seven of their last 10 regular season games, finish the season at 11-11 overall.
Ibarra’s long ball followed a grand slam by the Mavericks’ Nick Maddox in the fifth inning, which brought Meadowdale to within one run after falling behind, 7-2.
“This is very disappointing,” Meadowdale coach Ron Martin said. “They (the Rams) hustle on every play and we didn’t. We just weren’t there mentally. Those three errors are very disappointing. Based on our record, we shouldn’t have gotten this far, so it was great being here.”
The Rams added three runs in the sixth and seventh innings to seal the game going away. Catcher Brian Brumester had two doubles and three RBI to lead the Rams. Ibarra gave up 13 hits, including the grand slam home run, to earn the victory from the mound.
The Mavericks withstood North Thurston’s first scoring threat in the first inning thanks to a precision throw by center fielder Josh Miller. Miller, a junior, threw out Thurston’s Jon Andrake, who took off from first base en route for home plate following a towering double by Burmester.
“They (the Mavericks) really hit that ball,” Traynor said. “I have to really give them credit. They played hard.”
Meadowdale scored four runs off four hits in the second inning, while cruising to a 4-0 shutout victory over Lindbergh of Renton during Saturday’s opening round.
Junior infielder Joey Timmons led the Mavericks with a bases-loaded triple, which scored the Mavericks’ first three runs. Timmons would later score from third base following a Zack Swett single to give the Mavericks a four-run lead.
Meadowdale pitcher Ben Mummy, who improved to 4-3, struck out four batters and gave up three hits to earn his third complete-game shutout of the season.
Defensively, Meadowdale committed four errors, however, the Mavericks were able to turn away Lindbergh during two legitimate scoring opportunities. With runners on first and third base and two outs, Mummy forced Lindbergh’s Jared Watson to ground out to shortstop, ending the Eagles’ threat in the second inning. The Mavericks escaped the third inning with a runner on third base when Chris Thorson threw out Randy Malapitan, who was on his way to score with two outs.
The loss snapped a two-game winning steak for Lindbergh, which finished the season with a 13-8 overall record.
Ibarra and Burmester. Wade, Swett (4) and O’Neill. WP-Ibarra. LP-Wade. 2B-Miller (Mead), Ibarra (NT), .Burmester (NT) 2, Smith (NT) 3B-Fluke (NT). HR-Maddox (Mead), Ibarra (NT). Records-North Thurston 21-0 overall. Meadowdale 11-11.
Lindbergh |
000 |
000 |
0 |
– |
0 |
3 |
0 |
Meadowdale |
040 |
000 |
0 |
– |
4 |
8 |
4 |
Yaw and Kimball. Mummy and O’Neill. WP-Mummy. LP-Yaw. 2B-Nelson (Lind). 3B-Timmons (Mead). Record-Lindbergh 13-8 overall.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.