Tag Archive for: State Tournament

AUBURN, WA — Lacamas Red wasn’t in top form Sunday morning as they faced District 6 (Salmon Creek) in their first competition at the Washington state Little League tournament of champions, and struggled throughout the four-inning game, losing 16-0.

It was a sight the fans weren’t accustomed to, given the team’s 6-0 streak in the District 4 tournament last week, which brought them to state competition in Auburn, WA.

Catcher Dante Humble got it started with visiting Lacamas by walking to first. He was followed by Caden Wengler, Josh Mansur and Christian Knuth, who all struck out.

Lacamas Red’s turn on defense at the bottom of the first set the tone for most of the game. Caden Wengler started for Lacamas and walked the first two batters, while the third batter hit a double, bringing the lead runner home. Salmon Creek’s batters continued hitting into the outfield, and put five on the board until Wengler was relieved.

Forner
Lacamas Red at the Opening Ceremonies of the Little League
Washington state Tournament of Champions on Saturday in Auburn.

 

Humble
Dante Humble was the lead batter at Sunday’s game against Salmon Creek.

Lacamas briefly put Knuth on the mound, and he was followed by Jake Blair. Both walked several batters. The score was 10-0 when Kolby Broadbent was brought to the mound. Lacamas struggled to get the last out, and by the top of the second inning the score was 12-0.

Blair and Drew Ott both hit singles, but it wasn’t enough to score, and Jackson Day and other batters were fielded out. At the bottom of the second, Salmon Creek scored three more. Blair made a good catch in center field to end the inning.

Mansur and Knuth had solid hits at the top of the third, and Humble was walked. Lacamas held Salmon Creek to one run at the bottom of the third. Humble did a great job behind the plate. Ott also made a nice catch.

Forner2
Tyler Forner at the Opening Cermonies.
Mound1
Caden Wengler started for Lacamas on Sunday.

With the 10-run mercy rule, Lacamas had one more chance to fight back at the top of the fourth. Day struck out, Blair hit a nice double, and Ott hit a single. Jordan Geigenmiller hit one out to third but was fielded out. Jackson Gibbs was the last batter and was fielded out.

Following the game, several players sat around contemplating what happened. Several attributed the performance to first-day tournament jitters. Others said they were tired.
Sometimes it’s just how it goes. “That’s baseball,” said one player. “We’ll do better tomorrow.”

Lacamas plays again Monday night at 6 pm.

Gibbs
Jackson Gibbs goes for the bunt.