By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– Blanchet came in knowing they only needed a win to win the 3A Special District 3, only took an inning before the bats erupted in what would be a 13-2, five-inning victory to win the league title outright Wednesday afternoon against Santiam Christian.
It’s just part of the ultimate goal that they have to win a State Championship. And they just seem like they’re reloading for that end end goal.
It all started in the second inning, where they timed out the Eagles Connor Rahn and turned a scoreless tie into a 6-0 lead by innings end. From there, Blanchet just did what they do best, play fundamental baseball as they began to add to their lead.
Drew Bartels threw a five-inning complete game with seven strikeouts and drove in four runs with three hits to lead the Cavaliers. Noah Hancock did the same at the plate with three hits and four runs driven to help lead Blanchet to their third-straight league title and first since coming back up to 3A.
“It was like a spark, and we got the energy up rolling, and we kept building off the momentum, and that’s what happened,” said Hancock. “I think this is the third year in a row, but we’re looking for a State Championship. It’s our last year, obviously. This is the first step, winning league. You got to get this one and go on to the next and build off and build off’s and see where it goes.”
The Cavs have some tough games still in front of them with Friday’s games at Santiam Christian before Philomath, St. Paul and a twin-bill with Marist to set them up for the playoff push they’re hoping to have.
“This is a lot of gameplan stuf, situational stuff. These guys are legit…it’s going to be great competition, and it’s gonna be some of the best teams we’re going to play all year. It’s going to get us amped up for sure,” said Bartels.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
