Editors Notes: A huge thank you to Ryan Ottele for taking the time to write this recap up for Hazen High School. I’m always looking for more people who are willing to do recaps for their teams, whether you are a player, coach or parent. It is free and an easy way to highlight your team and players.
The Hazen Highlanders drove over the mountains to open their season against two 4A stalwarts in Yakima on Saturday. First up was a matchup against the West Valley. The Rams took advantage of some early baserunners and jumped on the Highlanders in the bottom of the 1st with a bases clearing double by John Sullivan and ended up tallying four runs in the frame. Later, in the 4th, the Rams would add on with a run scoring single followed by a run scoring double to take a 6-0 lead.
Hazen got back in the game with consecutive RBI singles by Alvin Chang and Jadon Grossnickle, but that’s as close as it would get, as the Rams closed out the 6-2 win. West Valley pitchers combined to record twelve strikeouts.
Next, Hazen took on Eisenhower. This game had a little bit of everything, which included a nine-run inning in the top of the first by the Highlanders, answered by five runs in the bottom half by the Cadets. Then the Cadets would go on to tally eight runs in the bottom of the 2nd, only to be matched by Hazen’s eight runs in the top of the 3rd. Hazen would record fifteen hits to Eisenhower’s eight, but Hazen defensive miscues led to seven unearned runs for the Cadets. In the end Hazen would emerge victorious by a 23-15 score.
Some of the offensive highlights included a two-run home run by Hazen’s Marcus McCarthy, en route to 3 hits and 3 RBI, and two home runs off the bat of Eisenhower’s Brody Phillips, who had seven RBI of his own. Highlanders Rutger Youch and Alvin Chang each checked in with three hits and three RBI.
In JV action, Hazen defeated Eisenhower 13-3 behind three hits from Riley Ottele and six strikeouts with only two hits allowed in four innings pitched from Zan Siebersma. West Valley defeated Hazen 11-8 in the second game. Cam Heckel notched four RBI in the losing effort for the Highlanders.