The Yelm baseball team picked up a much needed victory at Cheney Stadium, the home of the Tacoma Rainiers, on Saturday, April 29, as they beat Kingston High School, 11-3, in the Seattle Mariners Triple-A affiliate ballpark.
Sophomore Wyatt Robison started on the mound for the Tornados, while Barrett Schnetz and Jonah Smith both appeared in relief during the game.
“The team was excited, and didn’t seem too nervous by how they showed up and hit from the start,” Yelm Head Coach Zach Miller said. “We settled down on the mound and when we throw strikes and compete in the zone, we can play good defense and manufacture runs. That’s what we were able to do (on Saturday).”
Robison had early struggles with his control as he walked and hit several batters in the first inning. Despite the wild pitches, Robison was able to get Yelm out of the inning clean.
Smith was also good in relief, allowing just two hits and one run in a game that was already lopsided. The freshman also struck out three batters.
Smith, Wesley Thompson and Lincoln Ramirez each came off the bench and collected hits. Miller said that was an impressive feat for the three freshmen on such a large stage.
Ramirez collected an RBI on his first hit on the day.
“Overall, (the team) was tuned in and it showed, which us coaches were very pleased to see,” Miller said.
Earlier in the week on April 25, the Tornados were swept by Central Kitsap in South Sound Conference action. The contest was a high scoring affair, but the Cougars came out on top, with a 12-10 game.
The series concluded on April 26 at Central Kitsap High School in another victory for the Cougars after a 6-1 game.
The Tornados played their final series of the season against the River Ridge Hawks. Yelm hosted the South Sound Conference rivals on Tuesday, May 2. Prior to the contest, Yelm’s six seniors were recognized in a senior night celebration.
Yelm concluded its season on Wednesday, May 3, on the road at River Ridge High School.
