BELLINGHAM – Sehome sophomore Jacob Kaepernick and Lynden senior James Marsh matched up in a tremendous pitching duel, and neither one disappointed. Both threw complete games, both went just over 10 pitches and between them just five hits were allowed, and one run scored. Of course, that run proved to be the difference as the Mariners defeated the Lions 1-0 at Sehome High School on Thursday night.
Sehome senior first baseman Makana Grondin led off the bottom of the second inning with a sharp ground ball to right field for a base hit. Sophomore center fielder Tim Malo then walked, and this would be the best opportunity for the Mariners against Marsh. Senior designated hitter Ethan Brown’s bunt brought Marsh towards third base, and he was able to get a force out on Grondin at third. Senior left fielder Michael McLin grounded the ball to first base, where Preston King quickly threw it to second base to get the force out, but the throw back to first was not in time to catch the speedy McLin.
Now with two outs, Coach Monte Walton saw what he had on the base paths. His two fastest runners with Malo at third and McLin at first. The delayed steal was on. McLin’s lead kept gaining, and Marsh’s throw to King sent McLin to second base. Malo bolted for home, and King turned to notice but his throw was too late. The Sehome dugout erupted, knowing that it was going to be hard to get runs against Lynden.
Of course, getting runs off of Kaepernick is pretty hard, too. Not known as a strike out pitcher, he’s always around the plate, and he uses his superb defense behind him. But, on this night, he brought a little extra. He kept the Lion hitters off balance all night, and he had a career night, striking out 12 batters.
Kaepernick and Marsh battled throughout the game, and the intensity of the game picked up in the final inning. After Marsh grounded out to start the seventh, senior left fielder Jack Doolittle drew a walk. It was the only walk Kaepernick allowed all game. Senior catcher Carter Parcher hit a line drive to center field, and Lynden now had the tying run in scoring position, and the go-ahead run on first base. All this with Kaepernick nearing the 100-pitch mark.
Lynden senior third baseman Devin Holmstrom came to bat, and he hit a pop fly near the first base coaching box. Grondin appeared to have a play, but the height of the ball allowed enough backspin to cause Grondin to misplay it at the last second and it fell foul. Kaepernick showed tremendous poise and leadership, immediately encouraging his senior teammate by tagging his glove to Grondin’s chest by saying, “Don’t worry about it, we got this.”
The standout southpaw then struck out the final two batter to end the game. It was a tremendous high school baseball game, and it made me feel pretty good about missing some March Madness games, along with the Seattle Mariners home opener.
After the game, both pitchers are now sporting an ERA under 1. Kaepernick is at 0.75, and Marsh sits at 0.82. Other pitchers around the county also had a great night, with Squalicum senior Mitchell Sage tossing a two-hit shutout against Bellingham, and Blaine senior Colby Knutzen throwing a no-hitter against Ferndale in a 5-inning shortened game.
It’s a great time to be a high school baseball fan in Whatcom County.
W: Kaepernick (3-1)
L: Marsh (2-1)
LYN: Marsh 1-3; Parcher 1-3; Slayton 1-2.
SEH: Kaepernick 1-2, BB; Grondin 1-3; Malo 3 BB, 3 SB, R.
