Mules enjoying win streak

Spring break is in the rearview mirror, and now the attention of Wahkiakum's baseball and softball programs turns back to the strike zone. Both teams have taken wins in games after the hiatus, starting the second half of their seasons on a bright note.

Mules' three-game winning streak

The good times continue to roll for the Mules baseball team, which hasn't tasted defeat since losing to Naselle on March 25. Wahkiakum is 3-0 since that point, with the two most recent W's coming against Raymond-South Bend on April 8 and a conference win against Oakville on April 14.

The game against Raymond-South Bend looked to be done and dusted after the Mules took an 8-4 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning, but Wahkiakum was forced to beat back a late rally. The Ravens brought the score to within one run midway through the sixth, scoring three runs, but Wahkiakum maintained separation, scoring two runs in the bottom of the inning to make the score 10-7.

Despite two runs in the top of the seventh by the Ravens, the game would end 10-9. Brody Ashe, Gage Robinson, and Parker Leitz combined for seven of Wahkiakum's 10 hits in the win, driving in five runs and scoring five between them.

Ashe was a standout player in the game, getting on base in each of his four plate appearances. He finished the game with three hits, a base on balls, and two RBI. Ashe was also a problem for the Ravens on the base paths, stealing a team-high two bags.

Emory Filkowski earned the win for Wahkiakum on the mound. The right-handed pitcher gave up four hits and three earned runs over three innings, striking out one and walking two. Aiden Scott and Leitz each appeared in relief for the Mules.

Monday's game against Oakville followed a similar trend. The Mules jumped out ahead of the Acorns 6-3 after the second inning. Things got tight in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Oakville scored two runs to make come within a run 6-5.

However, Wahkiakum would reassert its dominance in the top of the sixth inning, exploding for six runs to increase its lead to 12-5. Oakville would score another few runs, but the result was never in doubt after the explosion in the penultimate inning that led to the 12-8 final score.

Aiden Scott had a game to remember for the Mules, earning the win on the mound and shining at the plate. Scott finished the game with two hits and three RBI while striking out three batters and allowing just three earned runs.

The Mules' JV and varsity teams will take on Ocosta at home on April 18 beginning at 3 p.m.

Mule softball gets first W

It has been a tough start to the season for the Mules' softball team, not just because wins have been hard to come by but also due to the injury second baseman Rylie Wills sustained against Naselle. Wills's injury has forced Head Coach Kami Gray and the Mules to reassess their personnel and recover from the trauma of seeing a teammate hurt.

After all the difficulty starting the season, the Mules have something to smile about as they put up the season's first win following spring break. Wahkiakum took home a massive victory in their April 14 game against Oakville, smashing the Acorns 30-10.

"It was awesome," said Gray. The girls were really excited, fighting through the hotter day and the first game with our new defense. The girls are being versatile and adjusting to whatever the team needs that day."

Evy Hogue drove in six runs on four hits to lead the Mules to their first win. Hogue was rock solid at the plate, registering four hits in six plate appearances and getting on base twice thanks to a keen eye at the plate. Hogue scored five runs in the win.

The Mules put up an eye-popping 30 runs on 12 hits and were off to the races from the start of the game. Wahkiakum went up 10-2 after the first inning. As much as the hitting was a factor in getting runners home, batters keeping a sharp eye on the strike zone did as much damage.

Wahkiakum accumulated 19 walks during the game while only striking out seven times. Memphis Coleman, Morgan Lewis, and Marley McPherson led the team with three free trips each.

Wahkiakum scored five runs on just one hit in the top of the second. Ryen Hurley was struck by a pitch, which drove in a run. Hogue then drew a walk, scoring one run. RayLynne Ogle singled, scoring two runs, and Addy Ogle grounded out, scoring one run. For their part, Oakville answered in kind, also scoring five on one hit in the bottom of the inning. After two, the score was 15-7.

Wahkiakum would continue its steady scoring in the third, plating six runs on three hits in the top of the frame. The Mules would ultimately put the game out of reach in the fourth when they scored nine runs. The Acorns didn't respond sufficiently to the explosion leading to the 30-10 final score.

Addy Ogle earned the win for Wahkiakum on the mound. The reliever surrendered two hits and three runs over the better part of three innings while striking out four and walking two. Hurley started in the circle for the Mules, allowing one hit and five earned runs, striking out three, and walking six.

"Really enjoying the progress these girls are making even through the obstacles that we have faced," said Gray following the victory.

The Mules will next take the field during a home game against Ocosta on Friday, April 18.