Mules win one, lose two in recent games

For a team to grow, there must be challenges. Sometimes they come naturally, sometimes a team seeks them out.

The Wahkiakum Mules baseball team sought out a challenge last Thursday, when they set up a game with King’s Way Christian in Vancouver.

They lost 12-5, but they gained some valuable experience.

“This game was to play against a quality program,” Coach Marc Niemeyer said. “The first pitcher we faced was a D1 commit to Washington State University. We pitched our young guys as we have so many games.”

Eighth grader Ashden Niemeyer started the game on the mound and pitched the first two innings. He struck out two and allowed three hits and had seven earned runs. Freshman Santos Wright took over and pitched the next four innings. He struck out two and allowed three hits. Senior Hank Ferguson pitched the final two innings. He struck out one and allowed one run.

On offense, Casey Wilson went 2-4 at bat, and drove in a run.

On Saturday, Pe Ell/Willapa Valley returned to Cathlamet to finish the March 14 game that was suspended due to rain. The teams were tied 4-4 to start the contest on Saturday, but the Mules pulled ahead to win 7-5.

“Luke (Brown) knocked in two runs and Ashden (Niemeyer) had the final run,” Coach Niemeyer said. “Terris (Record) allowed one run on a wild pitch but threw well. James (Anderson) came in and closed the door.”

Monday’s home game against Rainier was postponed and moved to Rainier on Tuesday. The Mules lost 6-2.

On offense, Anderson hit a home run. He was 2-4 at bat. Record had two hits, and A. Niemeyer and L. Brown had one hit each.

Coach Niemeyer had some praise for L. Brown, who pitched two innings. “He had great command and everything was working for him.”

A. Niemeyer pitched two innings. He struck out two and gave up one earned run. Closer Santos Wright gave up three earned runs.

“We have two big league games Wednesday and Thursday,” Coach Niemeyer said, “so we had to save our pitchers for them.”

As of Tuesday, the Mules were 3-1 in league and 3-3 overall.