By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
STAYTON, Ore.– The Stayton defense came in clutch once again in Wednesday’s Oregon West Conference game against Newport.
After a slow start at the plate, the Eagles didn’t find their rhythm until the bottom of the fourth inning, with the game tied 1–1. In the meantime, their defense kept them afloat in what would eventually become an 11-1 Stayton victory in six innings.
“It all starts in practice. Every guy, every day, we’re pushing it and working hard. Never really giving half-effort, we go pretty hard in practice and we keep it going. It really translates into games,” said Liam Brown of their defense.
Brown got the start. Going five innings and giving up one-hit and striking out eight in the outing. He, and Myles Emmert who came in during the sixth inning in relief, battled through coastal like weather with drizzle that was heavier at times. But nonetheless, the duo combined to throw a two-hitter to anchor the defense.
Going into the bottom of the fourth inning, the game was tied 1–1. Up to that point, the only offense had come on an Owen Mitzel groundout that drove in a run for Stayton. The Cubs answered with a run of their own after Ivan Wagner drew a walk; the junior later capitalized on a wild pitch, a stolen base, and a passed ball to score.
But then, things began to click for the Eagles bats starting in the bottom half of the fourth inning. They crossed four runs home in the frame, retaking the lead 5-1 before adding on in the fifth with three more runs and one last four-run inning in during the sixth to end the game by mercy rule. Over those three innings, the Eagles took advantage of four walks, three Newport errors and collected nine hits to pull away from the Cubs at home.
“We were able to rally and get the bats going when it mattered at the end. We need to get the bats going sooner. I’m just proud of how the team bounced back and got the bats going there at the end,” said Emmertt.
Emmert was one of three Stayton batters with two hits in the game. Ryland Thiessen and Travis Conklin were the other two Stayton batters who had two hits in the game.
And with Philomath on the horizon, the Eagles are hoping to bridge their success to this point into this next week on Thursday when they head over to Newport to close out the three-game series.
“It’s going to be huge. If we can get the bats going early, we’re going to start to shut them down, I think it’ll look pretty good for us. They’re down 2-0 now and they’re looking for something, anything,” said Brown of the series finale.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
