The Tornados baseball team picked up its first win since March 13 as they defeated Spanaway Lake, 8-1, on Friday, April 14, snapping Yelm’s nine-game losing streak in a non-conference matchup.
During their winning effort at home, Yelm eliminated some of their small, mental mistakes.
“I think we played very well and we ran the bases better than we have all year. We had guys aggressive and looking to make things happen instead of waiting for it to go their way,” Yelm head coach Zach Miller said. “We had some quality at-bats in situations to get RBIs, which we have struggled with during this skid.”
Freshman Landan Halterman started on the mound once again for Yelm. He lasted three innings and was consistent with the location of his pitches. Miller said Halterman challenged batters throughout his time on the mound.
Yelm was able to get on the board first in the first inning, as they scored two runners to take an early 2-0 lead.
Later in the fifth inning, Yelm tacked on another three runs behind singles from Wesley Thompson and Wyatt Robison. The team then scored several more runs to take the win.
Freshman Lincoln Ramirez made his debut on the mound in relief and showed his potential as a pitcher.
“Lincoln threw a ton of strikes and got outs. I would like to utilize him more, but he is a very good defender at second base and therefore hard to take him away from there to throw,” Miller said. “But yes, we will call on him as the year continues.”
The coach said Alex Zamora finished the game on the mound in relief for the Tornados.
The Spanaway Lake Spartans are currently in a 10-game losing streak, following their loss to Yelm.
“(The win) gives them confidence that we can hit in big situations to manufacture runs. We can put the game in motion as well and run more,” Miller said. “Overall, morale is building. (We) just have to learn how to replicate and know how to win.”
Earlier in the week, the Tornados traveled to Capital High School on Tuesday, April 11. They were defeated by the Cougars 9-5. In their second game of the week on Wednesday, April 12, Yelm added another loss to their record, following a 7-4 loss.
The Tornados played North Thurston High School on Tuesday, April 18. They’re set to finish the series on Wednesday, April 19 at home.
Following the series, the Tornados will have five games left, which includes four South Sound Conference matchups.
“The goal at this point is five wins, to be better than last year. We are at three. We are at that point as a program where we need to build off of small goals, and right now, the goal is to split each week in league to show we do belong and can compete,” Miller said. “It is baby steps but overall culture is improving and we are moving forward.”
The Tornados will play Central Kitsap High School on Tuesday, April 25, and Wednesday, April 26. The first game of the series will be played at home, followed by a game on the road.
On Saturday, April 29, Yelm will head to Cheney Stadium, the home of the Tacoma Rainiers, to take on Kingston High School. The first pitch is scheduled for noon.
