Coach: Tanner Olson (2nd Year with Blaine, 11-10 record)
Home Field: Pipeline Fields
Last Season: 11-10 (8-5 Conference)
Key Losses: 1B/P Cruz Rodriguez (.439 AVG, 18 RBI, 8 2B, 2 SV 3.50 ERA), P Mikael Elliott (3-2, 3.11 ERA, 33 K’s, .358 AVG, 18 RBI, 7 2B, 2 3B), P Cam Ellis (4-1, 3.53 ERA), C Kai Nagle (.384 OBP, 4 2B, 11 R).
Top Returnees: 3B/OF Chase Abshere, P/CF Colby Knutzen, 3B/P Hayden Dohner, SS/P Ben Wallen, 2B Nick Gunderson, LF Griffin King.
Pitchers and Catchers: Senior righty Colby Knutzen will lead the Borderite pitching staff, and has already committed to pitch at Centralia College. He went 2-2 last season with a 4.01 ERA after getting a late start due to an injury. He’s healthy this season, and could pitch his team deep into the playoffs. Senior Ben Wallen had a great season in 2018, going 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA. He’s a very accurate pitcher, walking just four batters last season while striking out 19. The third spot in the rotation will be a junior lefty, but it’s not completely known which one it could be just yet. Griffin King, Tobin Akre and Tyler Haggith all fit the bill, and will be used at some point in the season as a starting pitcher. King pitched a little on the varsity squad last season, walking just one batter in nine innings. Hard throwing senior Hayden Dohner will be the closer. Sophomore Justin Saunders looks to inherit the catching role. Defensively, he will be solid, and his hitting should come around once he gets used to varsity pitching. Seniors Ryan Turnberg and Chase Abshere can also catch in a pinch.
Infield: A lot of varsity experience returns, as well as a lot of athleticism. Wallen (.280 average, .400 on-base) is back at short stop, and slick-fielding senior Nick Gunderson is back at second base. Abshere (.286 AVG, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 22 runs scored, 5 SB) is one of the most exceptional players in the league, and he will share third base with Dohner. First base will be shared by Haggith and Akre. Both have pop in their bats, and Coach Olson will likely find a way to get both lefties in the lineup somehow. Turnberg can also fill in as a middle infielder.
Outfield: Knutzen (three doubles, one triple, 7 RBI) will anchor the outfield in center field, and he can really run it down. King (.333 AVG, .440 OBP) returns in left field, after starting from game two on last season. Senior Hudson Reid could be looked upon as the right fielder, as well as Haggith or Akre. Abshere will likely play center when Knutzen pitches, but could also play right field if needed.
Final Analysis: Blaine is a well-balanced team that has a little bit of everything. Pitching should be very good, and the offense should be able to score some runs. Abshere and Knutzen have a ton of varsity experience, and are on one of the best duos in Whatcom County. The eight seniors have been playing together for a long time, and they are ready to take on the challenge of possibly contending for a conference championship.
Tyler’s predicted lineup:
- Colby Knutzen
- Griffin King
- Chase Abshere
- Hayden Dohner
- Ben Wallen
- Nick Gunderson
- Tyler Haggith
- Tobin Akre
- Justin Saunders
