On the diamonds

by Diana Zimmerman

While the regular season was ending and district play was just beginning for the Wahkiakum Mule softball team last week, the Wahkiakum Mule baseball suffered a district loss to Life Christian, 1-5, and ended their season.

“We had a phenomenal season,” Coach Marc Niemeyer said of the baseball team. “I had a great time coaching these young men. I am blessed with great kids, parents and coaches. We played hard and things didn’t go our way today but that is what makes baseball exciting.”

Terris Record started on the mound and struck out seven batters. Zach Brown took over halfway through the third inning and struck out three more. Offensively, Z. Brown was the only player to get a hit, going 2-3 with a double and single.

The Mules are losing senior Brandon Budd, but the team will return next spring with a lot of young players who were able to soak up a lot of experience this season.

Last week, the Lady Mules beat Ilwaco in softball action, 19-1 to finish out the regular season.

“Everyone on the team got to play,” Assistant Coach Stacey Wegdahl said, “They hit the ball really well, racking up 14 hits in three innings.”

In the opening round of district on Monday, the Lady Mules faced Pe Ell/Willapa Valley and lost 2-3.

PWV scored on an error in the fourth inning, according to Wegdahl. In the fifth, Peyton Souvenir got on base with a single, and Sam Boyce hit a home run to bring them both home, making the score 2-1. PWV answered by scoring on Mule errors in the fifth and sixth innings and won the game.

“This was the best all around game we’ve had from the team all season,” Wegdahl said. “We came to districts to play and prove to other teams that they shouldn’t overlook us. Our last meeting with PWV was quite the opposite, they beat us 5-25 and 2-17 previously. So to come out focused and hold them to three like we did was awesome. Tori Wegdahl had her best day pitching yet. She was consistent throughout. There was a great team effort behind her. Outfielders Makenzie Anderson and Jessica Thomas had some great catches, and Sam Boyce always plays 100 percent behind the plate. She gives Tori such confidence and support. Peyton Souvenir has really come along at first base. We have a lot of confidence after a game like that and we’re looking forward to our game on Wednesday.”

Tori Wegdahl pitched all six innings, striking out three and holding PWV to two hits. Souvenir was 2-3 at bat with a single and Boyce, who has put up some impressive numbers this year, went 2-4 with a home run and two RBI.

The Lady Mules met Morton/White Pass on yesterday (Wednesday) in a loser out game. Results were not available.