BAINBRIDGE — A strong start thanks to opening-inning RBI doubles by John Vaara and Jacob Felton and a solid defensive finish led the Port Angeles baseball team to an 8-4 win over Bainbridge.
The Riders lost to the Spartans 7-1 at home Monday.
“Jacob hit a couple of absolute missiles,” coach Casey Dietz said. “He also played excellent behind the plate and threw out a runner. He’s been great at working with our pitching staff.”
Vaara drove in a pair of runs, and Landon Seibel and Adam Watkins also had hits for Port Angeles. Vaara, Elijah Flodstrom and Seth Woods combined on a three-hitter on the mound.
“Seth Woods did a heck of a job the last three innings keeping them off balance and mixing pitches,” Dietz said.
“Dru Clark made a phenomenal [double] play to get us out of a potential jam, and we played strong defense. Wyatt Hall made a couple of nice plays; Landon Seibel snagged a rocket down the third base line.”
Port Angeles (3-1) hosts Olympic today.
Central Kitsap 12, Sequim 3
SILVERDALE — The Cougars posted a nine-run sixth inning to break open a tie game.
Michael Grubb and Zach McCracken each had an RBI single for Sequim (1-2).
The Wolves visit Bainbridge on Monday.
Softball
Port Angeles 4, Bremerton 3
PORT ANGELES — Zoe Smithson drove in the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the seventh as the Riders rallied once again for a victory.
Port Angeles (4-0) has come from behind in three of its wins and pushed past Sequim after the Wolves tied the game up in its other victory.
“Natalie Robinson continued her power hitting with a towering home run and triple to spark the Riders’ comeback win,” coach Randy Steinman said.
“Emi Halberg put down two perfect bunts for base hits and stole two bases to set up Smithson’s hit for the game-winning run.”
Steinman said shortstop Jada Cargo-Acosta continued to play excellent defense at shortstop.
“[She] made some great plays to stop any rally by Bremerton,” Steinman said.
Peyton Rudd also had an RBI double.
Cheyenne Zimmer and Teagan Clark split duties on the mound, combining for seven strikeouts and no walks.
Quilcene 27, Muckleshoot 8
AUBURN — The Rangers wasted no time putting up runs on the Kings as Stormie Elkins doubled home a run in a six-run first inning capped by eighth-grader Abby Ward’s two-RBI single.
Both Elkins and Ward, who combined for five of Quilcene’s nine hits, had RBI singles in the Rangers’ 13-run third inning.
Ward went 3 for 4 with five RBIs, and Elkins was 2 for 5 with two RBIs.
Marissa Kieffer chipped in with two singles and four runs, and Shelby Love reached base all six times, scoring five runs.
Kayla Ward pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up four earned runs and striking out seven for the win.
“Getting a chance to compete for the first time in two years was a great experience for our team,” coach Mark Thompson said. “We have a young but enthusiastic group of young ladies whose potential I am very excited about.”
