Clatskanie baseball begins division play

After two rainouts to begin their week, the Clatskanie Tigers had a five-inning, mercy-rule victory over Rockaway Beach's Neah-Kah-Nie on Friday, April 11. Jumping out to an early 5-0 lead in the top of the first, Clatskanie added three more in the second and an overwhelming seven runs in the third to pave the way for the Tigers. Will Van Voorst and sophomore Gunner Engen led the Tigers with three RBI each and a combined three hits and three runs scored. Senior Ben Blackwood and juniors Finn McDonnell, Zach Mollenhour, and Cash Doney had two RBI each and combined for four hits and nine runs scored for the Tigers, with Doney collecting a team-high three hits and McDonnell crossing the plate a team-high three times. Van Voorst, Blackwood, and McDonnell each had a stolen base for Clatskanie. Earning the win, Mollenhour led the team from the mound with three strikeouts and no earned runs over three innings pitched. McDonnell and junior Bode Shulda combined for three more strikeouts and one earned run over the next two innings to preserve the 16-4 victory.

Opening league play at home on Tuesday, the Tigers defeated Portland Christian 12-6. The Royals jumped on Clatskanie for two runs in the top of the third, but the home team countered with two of their own in the bottom of the frame. Another five runs by Clatskanie in the fourth made for a comfortable lead, but Portland Christian came up with four runs in the fifth to bring the score to 7-6. The Tigers responded with a run in the fifth and four more in the sixth to double up on the Royals.

Clatskanie was led at the plate by senior Victor Frank, who knocked in four runs on two hits. Junior Luke Andreasen added another three RBI and led the team with three hits. Blackwood led the team with two stolen bases to go along with his two RBI and two runs scored. Senior Brendan Shroll scored two runs as well while collecting a hit, and RBI, and a stolen base. Doney scored two runs as well while stealing a base.

From the mound, Andreasen collected the win, striking out theee and allowing two hits and no earned runs over three and a third innings. Shroll and Shulda pitched in relief, striking out six batters between them while walking only two.

Clatskanie (5-3) will travel to Portland Christian Friday, April 18, before returning home Tuesday, April 22, to take on Nestucca at 4:30 p.m.