SELAH – Many will tell you that winning a fastpitch state title will take a special pitcher. Others will tell you it takes a special offense. After the first day of the 2A State tournament in Selah, that is exactly why Sehome coach Jim Emerson is feeling really good going into the final day of play.
After Sehome defeated North Kitsap in the quarterfinal game, I asked him about the team’s ability to put up 12 runs two games in a row. He asked me, “How about that pitching too?”
Well played, Coach.
While the Mariners “mercy ruled” the Fife Trojans in the first game (being up by 10 or more runs after five innings), Sehome starting pitcher Savannah Smith quietly pitched a perfect game! No runs, no hits, no walks, no nothing.
In game two, the Mariners took on another state quality team in the North Kitsap Vikings, and again, the Sehome Mariners showed why they are a legit threat to win the whole thing.
The Mariners scored three runs in the 1st, five runs in the 2nd , three in the 3rd, and a final run in the 4th, to wrap up their second straight 12-0 win in a five inning game.
Over the two games, and while literally everyone in the lineup had a hit or an RBI, the Mariners were led by Megan Hall’s 5-for-8 approach at the plate with six RBI’s on Friday. Sehome also got home runs from MaryEllen Burfiend, Tori McDowell and Carissa McDowell.
When I asked Coach Emerson how his team translated their approach at the plate to this tournament, the character of his team rose to the top.
“We were a young team when we were here last year,” said Emerson. “This team simply does not get too high or too low. It doesn’t matter who we play tomorrow, we are simply here to take care of business.”
That team they will play will be the top ranked Ellensburg Bulldogs in the 2A state SemiFinals today at 10am.
-BLAKE WITMAN
WHATCOMPREPS.COM
