PORT ANGELES — Wilder Senior erupted for 10 runs in the third and fourth innings to win its opening game of the Firecracker Invitational over Lakeside 11-4.
The whole lineup chipped in to help Wilder Senior win Friday, with 10 players collecting a total of 14 hits and nine different players either scoring runs or driving in runs.
Curan Bradley led the way, going 2 for 3 with a double, two runs scored and three RBIs. Carson Jackson went 2 for 4 with a double, two runs scored and two RBIs.
Matt Hendry had a double and two RBIs, while Joel Wood hit 2 for 2 and Chance Wilson was 1 for 1 with two runs scored. Gavin Guerrero was 2 for 2 with two runs scored, a stolen base and an RBI.
The bottom of the Wilder lineup (seven through 10 hitters) went 9 for 10 with five RBIs and eight runs scored.
“Any time you can get that kind of production from the bottom of the lineup you’re going to be lined up for a good game at the dish,” said coach Karl Myers.
Wilder Senior got behind 3-0, but scored four runs in the third and six more in the fourth to blow the game open.
“This was a great opening game for us, after a slow start at the plate and on the mound our guys really came together and got after it. We were very passive at the plate in the first couple innings taking a lot of fastballs in the zone but in the third we got some base runners on and really showed what we’re capable of,” Myers said.
“This was the best we’ve executed all season as far as getting the job done, moving guys around, and putting the game in motion. We loved their aggression both at the plate and on the bases, when we were able to get guys on we put a ton of pressure on Lakeside to make plays and get outs,” Myers said.
On the bump Wilder saved their pitchers for later games, as Kyle Blankenship and Bo Bradow each went three innings, with Bradow giving up just two hits and no runs in his three innings. Brett Moody pitched the final inning.
“Anytime you can get through a game and keep all three pitchers eligible to pitch later in the tournament is huge and our guys did a great job being efficient and effective,” Myers said.
“Defensively, our overall defense was very solid, something that we have worked extremely hard at and take a lot of pride in. Joel Wood continues to be a wall behind the plate, can’t say enough about his competitiveness and consistency back there. Outfield play was phenomenal — Carson [Jackson], [Bradley] and Hayden [Woods] were flying around tonight and it was fun to watch them work,” the coach said.
Wilder played Centerfield on Saturday night after press deadline. They will play the Wilder Junior team at 4 p.m. Sunday, then will play Baseball Beyond Borders at 7 p.m. Sunday. That will be the end of pool play and elimination play will begin at 10 a.m. Monday.
Wilder 11, Lakeside 4
Lake 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 — 4 8 2
Wilder 0 0 4 6 0 1 x — 11 14 1
WP: Blankenship
Pitching
Wilder — Blankenship 3IP, 4H, 1ER, K, 4BB; Bradow 3IP 2H, K; Moody 1IP, 2H, 1ER, BB.
Hitting
Wilder — Jackson 2-4, 2B, 2R, 2RBI; Bradley 2-3, 2B, 2R, 3RBI; Hendry 1-3, 2RBI; Wood 2-2; Wilson 1-1, 2R; Guerrero 2-2, 2R, RBI, SB; Woods 1-1, 2R, RBI, BB; Angevine 1-2, RBI 2SB.
BBB 10, Wilder Junior 7
PORT ANGELES — The Wilder Junior team lost its opening game of the Firecracker Tournament 10-7 to Baseball Beyond Borders. Wilder Junior also played Centerfield Saturday afternoon (results were after press deadline).
