Elmira head baseball coach Wolgamott told me that he hoped his team could finish .500 after a disastrous 0-10 league mark last year. A bus accident at the beginning of the year which injured two vital players for the season did nothing to instill hope for that possibility. However, something strange happened on the way to predictions and prognostications. After sweeping Siuslaw 5-2 and 10-0, the unlikely cellar dwellers of the previous season see themselves in first place in the 4A Sky-Em league, and ranked 8th overall in 4A with a sparkling 11-2 record and an unblemished 5-0 mark in the league approaching the half way point.
Bryson Estrella and Hunter Stockinger combined to hold down the Vikings to two runs on three hits in the opener. Elmira offense was aided by 5 Siuslaw error which allowed the Falcons to muscle out to a 4-0 lead before the Vikings could even muster an offense against Estrella and Stockinger who combined for 11 strikeouts in the game.
It was not a one man show in the nightcap but the Falcons only needed one pitcher.
Ayden Wolgamott took the hill for Elmira and twirled a masterful, 2 hit, shortened shut out of the Vikings. Wolgamott's stat line boasted a gaudy 13 strikeouts in 5 innings pitched against a single walk.
Only leading 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth, the Falcons decided they wanted to give Wolgamott the rest of the night off for his performance. Elmira brokered 5 hits, 4 walks, an error and a hit batter to ring up an 8 spot in the bottom of the fifth to end a shortened game. Wolgamott helped his own cause scoring three times on the day. Elmira hitting was led by Cobyn Herbert who got two hits and an RBI sacrifice fly.
Now begins the time to measure Elmira sudden thrust into 4A relevance. Because of weather schedule changes in the first half of the league schedule, the Falcons must play the next 8 games on the road including 3 double headers including the crucial meeting with Junction City which could conceivably be for the Sky-Em Championship. They finish with a home double header with Marist. A victory this Tuesday April 23 at Marist will go a long way towards any playoff aspirations the Falcons are nurturing right now.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Gabica Rolls to First Win of Doubleheader; Falcons Almost Stumble in Nightcap
Imari Gabica was splendid as an off the bench starter scattering 2 hits and striking out 7 as Elmira's softball team cruised to an easy 13-1 victory over lowly Siuslaw, Thursday April 11 at Elmira High School. Gabica received more than enough help as Carly Grossmiller, from her 9 spot in the order, rang up 4 hits and 4 RBI's as the Lady Falcons raised their record to 10-4 on the season
The second game however was a completely different story as star pitcher Maranda Hanson found herself in jam after jam to the Lady Vikings as Siuslaw was spotted a 5-run lead after 3 and half innings. However, Siuslaw pitching found the going no smoother than Hanson did. Vikings' pitcher Nina Aaron was blistered by Falcon hitters as they rocked the junior hurler for 17 hits including Ashley Feltz's fifth home run of the season. Feltz was 3 for 5 in the game with 3 RBIs. It spelled a raucous and unlikely 11-10 squeaker over Siuslaw to sweep the double header.
Despite rallying for 6 runs in the fourth and fifth innings, Siuslaw took the lead in the top of the sixth inning when Hanson walked the lead off batter, the pitcher's nemesis. Pinch runner Angela Bartlett advanced to third on a fielder's choice and an error by Feltz. Lita Figueroa cashed in the walk and error by slapping a single into center field to tie the game at 10.
The Lady Falcons rallied again in the bottom of the inning. Sarah Stout crushed a double into the center field alley, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Deja Rhodes singled into center. Hanson then retired the side in order to set all things right again.
Still it was the Elmira bats that carried the day. The 24 runs scored in the double header made the Lady Falcons the sixth highest scoring team in 4A so far this season. The road ahead does not get easier. Up next for 11-4 Elmira is a road test against sixth ranked Marist Catholic. A victory would thrust Elmira into the playoff conversation in a visceral way with a 4 more games with Marist and league leader Junction city; two double headers that will be played here at Elmira High School. That is if the Lady Falcons can avoid stubbing their toes against the lower tiered teams in the second half of league play.
The second game however was a completely different story as star pitcher Maranda Hanson found herself in jam after jam to the Lady Vikings as Siuslaw was spotted a 5-run lead after 3 and half innings. However, Siuslaw pitching found the going no smoother than Hanson did. Vikings' pitcher Nina Aaron was blistered by Falcon hitters as they rocked the junior hurler for 17 hits including Ashley Feltz's fifth home run of the season. Feltz was 3 for 5 in the game with 3 RBIs. It spelled a raucous and unlikely 11-10 squeaker over Siuslaw to sweep the double header.
Despite rallying for 6 runs in the fourth and fifth innings, Siuslaw took the lead in the top of the sixth inning when Hanson walked the lead off batter, the pitcher's nemesis. Pinch runner Angela Bartlett advanced to third on a fielder's choice and an error by Feltz. Lita Figueroa cashed in the walk and error by slapping a single into center field to tie the game at 10.
The Lady Falcons rallied again in the bottom of the inning. Sarah Stout crushed a double into the center field alley, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Deja Rhodes singled into center. Hanson then retired the side in order to set all things right again.
Still it was the Elmira bats that carried the day. The 24 runs scored in the double header made the Lady Falcons the sixth highest scoring team in 4A so far this season. The road ahead does not get easier. Up next for 11-4 Elmira is a road test against sixth ranked Marist Catholic. A victory would thrust Elmira into the playoff conversation in a visceral way with a 4 more games with Marist and league leader Junction city; two double headers that will be played here at Elmira High School. That is if the Lady Falcons can avoid stubbing their toes against the lower tiered teams in the second half of league play.
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Walk Off Win Over Marshfield is Something to Admire
Jacob Admire hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning scoring Cobyn Herbert with the winning run and the Falcons baseball team came up with a dramatic walk off 3-2 victory over Marshfield Tuesday April 16 at Elmira High School.
Admire's dramatics were set up after Herbert crushed a screaming double into right center field and then took third on a sacrifice bunt by Tyler Feltz.
It was a challenging game for Falcon pitchers who always seemed to be pitching out of some sort of jam. The Pirates had base runners in every inning except the second and fifth.
At the plate, the game seemed just as precarious. Gavin Parker staked the Falcons to an early lead, taking advantage of a Pirate error to single in Ayden Wolgamott for a 1-0 lead. Elmira pushed the lead to 2-0 when Wolgamott doubled in Admire, who had singled in front of him.
Tyler Feltz walk on the tight-rope finally gave way in the sixth inning when the Pirates strung together a walk and 2 singles to score to in the stanza. Both teams... seemingly exhausted... were able to muster any offense against the other until Admire's heroics in the bottom of the ninth.
The win was Elmira's sixth straight, raising their record to 9-2 (3-0) in the 4A Sky-Em going into a double header with Siuslaw on Thursday.
Admire's dramatics were set up after Herbert crushed a screaming double into right center field and then took third on a sacrifice bunt by Tyler Feltz.
It was a challenging game for Falcon pitchers who always seemed to be pitching out of some sort of jam. The Pirates had base runners in every inning except the second and fifth.
At the plate, the game seemed just as precarious. Gavin Parker staked the Falcons to an early lead, taking advantage of a Pirate error to single in Ayden Wolgamott for a 1-0 lead. Elmira pushed the lead to 2-0 when Wolgamott doubled in Admire, who had singled in front of him.
Tyler Feltz walk on the tight-rope finally gave way in the sixth inning when the Pirates strung together a walk and 2 singles to score to in the stanza. Both teams... seemingly exhausted... were able to muster any offense against the other until Admire's heroics in the bottom of the ninth.
The win was Elmira's sixth straight, raising their record to 9-2 (3-0) in the 4A Sky-Em going into a double header with Siuslaw on Thursday.
Boys Lead the Way at the Elmira Relays
The Falcons boys Dominated 4 relay events and placed first or second 8 times in field events as they won the overall team competition at the Elmira Relays Saturday, April 13 at Elmira High School.
Meanwhile the Falcons girls team finished a distant second behind meet winner Philomath Despite placing first in four events. Kennady Lainge led the girls, winning the triple jump with a mark of
32-06.5 as well as being a part of the first place 4x120 shuttle hurdles team, with Claire Head, Page Reichenberger and Lexie Geiger. The Falcons won the relay with at time of 1:17.42. Geiger also placed first in the High Jump with a leap of 4-10. Sydney Green won the long jump competition with a leap of 13-10.5.
The Falcon boys were peerless hosts in the relays. With Brady Nagel anchoring the 4x100 and the 4x200 runs and Riley Chambers Anchoring the Varsity DMR and 4x100 Shuttle Hurdle Relays, Elmira swept 4 relays events. Desmond Wilson, Colton Zsiga, Brady Scroggins, Everett Greenwood, Derek Anderson, Brandon Foote, Tyler Henderson, Alex Head, and Josiah Lorenze filled out the winning relay teams.
Lorenze had a spectacular and productive afternoon for the Falcons, not only a part of the winning 4x100 shuttle hurdle relay, but also placed 2nd in the pole vault with a jump of 11-6; second in the high jump and 3rd in the 110m hurdles.
Other winners were Cobyn Herbert in the discus; Maisen Heide in the high jump; Ethan Yost in the long jump and Carlson Fix in the triple jump.
Meanwhile the Falcons girls team finished a distant second behind meet winner Philomath Despite placing first in four events. Kennady Lainge led the girls, winning the triple jump with a mark of
32-06.5 as well as being a part of the first place 4x120 shuttle hurdles team, with Claire Head, Page Reichenberger and Lexie Geiger. The Falcons won the relay with at time of 1:17.42. Geiger also placed first in the High Jump with a leap of 4-10. Sydney Green won the long jump competition with a leap of 13-10.5.
The Falcon boys were peerless hosts in the relays. With Brady Nagel anchoring the 4x100 and the 4x200 runs and Riley Chambers Anchoring the Varsity DMR and 4x100 Shuttle Hurdle Relays, Elmira swept 4 relays events. Desmond Wilson, Colton Zsiga, Brady Scroggins, Everett Greenwood, Derek Anderson, Brandon Foote, Tyler Henderson, Alex Head, and Josiah Lorenze filled out the winning relay teams.
Lorenze had a spectacular and productive afternoon for the Falcons, not only a part of the winning 4x100 shuttle hurdle relay, but also placed 2nd in the pole vault with a jump of 11-6; second in the high jump and 3rd in the 110m hurdles.
Other winners were Cobyn Herbert in the discus; Maisen Heide in the high jump; Ethan Yost in the long jump and Carlson Fix in the triple jump.
Lady Falcons Maul Marshfield then Get Thumped by 6th Ranked Sweet Home
Elmira's softball team extended their win streak to three games with a third consecutive 5 inning decision, this one a workmanlike 12-2 victory over visiting Marshfield. Unlike the previous two games, this wasn't decided until a rally in the fifth garnered the 10 run advantage to end the game. Ashley Feltz continued to have the hot bat, hitting a laser beam line drive home run in the first inning and having a sparkling 4 for 4 afternoon with 4 RBIs. Maranda Hanson picked up the victory going the shortened distance giving up 2 runs on 3 hits including a home run to Marshfield's Sterling Williams. The win was Elmira's third straight. In that span the Lady Falcons outscored their opponents 64-4.
However, the quality of opponent stepped up as the Lady Falcons played a make up road game at 6th ranked Sweet Home, Wednesday April 17 at Sweet Home High School. The game, sloppy at times, took on the air of a prize fight, with each team taking turns laying hay makers to each other. There were 7 errors in the game. An additional nuance to the game was a seemingly moving strike zone by the home plate umpire that took pitchers out of their game. Hanson and Sweet Home's Ashtyn Walker, normally strong, strike out pitchers, both found their control inexplicably absent during the game. Both teams pitching combined for nine walks.
Leading 2-1 after one and a half, the Lady Huskies batted around in the bottom of the inning, scoring 5 runs, aided by 2 walks, 2 errors and three singles. Hanson got through the third undamaged which led to the Elmira retaliation in the fourth inning where the Lady Falcons tallied a six spot to tie the game at 7. The big hit was a deep fly ball to center by Hanson who reached on an error by the Sweet Home center fielder scoring two runs. Again, the huge rally was helped by 2 walks and 2 errors.
The Falcons couldn't hold the game however. In the fifth inning, a Hanson mistake cost her. A hit batter came around to score, along with a second run after three singles in the inning to make the score 9-7. Elmira tried to rally in the sixth getting Carly Grossmiller and Ashley Feltz aboard but were shut down when Sarah Stroud went down swinging for the third out. Three more singles in the bottom of the inning for the Lady Huskies added two runs to make it 11-7 and Elmira went quietly in the 7th inning to end the game.
Siuslaw comes to town Thursday April 18 for a double header at Elmira High School.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Falcon's Baseball now 2-0 in League; #10 in 4A
Gone are the dismal memories of a 3-12 season last year. Gone are the recollections of a hopeless 0-10 league record in the 4A Sky-Em Conference in 2018. Even as the Falcons were battling from behind twice during their contest with Cottage Grove, there was never that sense that the game was lost. Rallying twice from deficits as both Bryson Estrella and Koble Peterson found themselves in pitching jams throughout, the Falcons bats erupted in the bottom of the fifth inning. Elmira parlayed 6 hits, a walk and a Cottage Grove error into 7 runs, coming away with a 12-7 Sky-Em league victory over the Lions, Friday April 12 at Elmira High School.
What the game lacked in superlatives, it balanced with grit and determination. Ayden Wolgamott walked 4 times and got a bases clearing double as an example. No home runs, just basic opportunistic baseball, sound hitting as 4 of the 6 hits in the bottom of the fifth were doubles. And while Falcons pitching showed chinks in the armor, Cottage Grove was never able to get out of reach.
Elmira played add on in the bottom of the sixth when Peterson scored on a wild pitch to seal the victory for the Falcons.
The victory moved Elmira to 8-2 (2-0 in league) and a sparkling #10 ranking in 4A. Marshfield and Siuslaw come to Elmira High School this week, Tuesday and Friday respectively. The weather adjustments mean that the Falcons second half of the season will be played almost entirely on the road in the second half of league play.
"I think the kids are starting to realize they can beat anybody in the league if we play the game the right way and limit our mistakes, said Elmira head baseball coach Ryan Wolgamott in an email. "I came into the season hoping we could be a .500 team in league. I believe we can surpass that, even with injuries to Bryce Sawyer and Manny Massengil and Mikey Weaver leaving the team for the remainder of the year for a planned family trip. We’re much younger now than when we started the season, but we’re getting some valuable experience in difficult situations."
What the game lacked in superlatives, it balanced with grit and determination. Ayden Wolgamott walked 4 times and got a bases clearing double as an example. No home runs, just basic opportunistic baseball, sound hitting as 4 of the 6 hits in the bottom of the fifth were doubles. And while Falcons pitching showed chinks in the armor, Cottage Grove was never able to get out of reach.
Elmira played add on in the bottom of the sixth when Peterson scored on a wild pitch to seal the victory for the Falcons.
The victory moved Elmira to 8-2 (2-0 in league) and a sparkling #10 ranking in 4A. Marshfield and Siuslaw come to Elmira High School this week, Tuesday and Friday respectively. The weather adjustments mean that the Falcons second half of the season will be played almost entirely on the road in the second half of league play.
"I think the kids are starting to realize they can beat anybody in the league if we play the game the right way and limit our mistakes, said Elmira head baseball coach Ryan Wolgamott in an email. "I came into the season hoping we could be a .500 team in league. I believe we can surpass that, even with injuries to Bryce Sawyer and Manny Massengil and Mikey Weaver leaving the team for the remainder of the year for a planned family trip. We’re much younger now than when we started the season, but we’re getting some valuable experience in difficult situations."
Falcons Softball Rights the Ship: Cruises against Cottage Grove
They will not be remembered as crucial games the farther they slip into memory, but Elmira's double header victories over Cottage Grove did help put the taste of a two game losing streak to bed. Unleashing 44 hits in two games the Lady Falcon's punished lowly Cottage Grove 26-0 and 26-1 Friday, April 12 at Harrison Middle School in Cottage Grove.
The first game was in hand before the bottom of the first as Elmira scored 12 in the top of the first and 10 in the top of the second. Pitcher Maranda Hanson would not need even 2 of those runs as she mowed through the Lady Lions with a sparkling 10 K, shut out win.
Courtney Haffner was nearly as flawless, pitching the nightcap, as she held Cottage Grove to 1 run on 2 hits. The Lady Falcons scored in every inning of the rout, with Haffner picking up 4 hits and 4 RBIs in support of her pitching. The star of the day at the plate for both games however was Cheyenne White who was a perfect 8 for 8 at the plate with 8 RBIs and homering in both games.
I was pleased with our performance against Cottage Grove," said Elmira Head Softball coach Jamie Boytz in an email. "We have had a tendency to play down to the level of our competition, and Friday we played to our potential. It was good to see the girls getting more confident in the batters box."
The victories raised Elmira's record to 8-3 (2-1 in the 4A Sky-Em Conference). With three home games against winnable opponents, the Lady Falcons can firmly ensconce themselves as a contender in the league moving into contests against highly ranked Marist and Junction City. First up though is 4-7 Marshfield Tuesday afternoon here at Elmira High School.
The first game was in hand before the bottom of the first as Elmira scored 12 in the top of the first and 10 in the top of the second. Pitcher Maranda Hanson would not need even 2 of those runs as she mowed through the Lady Lions with a sparkling 10 K, shut out win.
Courtney Haffner was nearly as flawless, pitching the nightcap, as she held Cottage Grove to 1 run on 2 hits. The Lady Falcons scored in every inning of the rout, with Haffner picking up 4 hits and 4 RBIs in support of her pitching. The star of the day at the plate for both games however was Cheyenne White who was a perfect 8 for 8 at the plate with 8 RBIs and homering in both games.
I was pleased with our performance against Cottage Grove," said Elmira Head Softball coach Jamie Boytz in an email. "We have had a tendency to play down to the level of our competition, and Friday we played to our potential. It was good to see the girls getting more confident in the batters box."
The victories raised Elmira's record to 8-3 (2-1 in the 4A Sky-Em Conference). With three home games against winnable opponents, the Lady Falcons can firmly ensconce themselves as a contender in the league moving into contests against highly ranked Marist and Junction City. First up though is 4-7 Marshfield Tuesday afternoon here at Elmira High School.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Falcons Stun Third Ranked Junction City to get First League Victory in 2 years
At first it must have seemed like an old record going into league play where the Elmira baseball team hadn't won a game since 2017. Not only were they playing league favorite Junction City, but they started off with a costly error that gave the Tigers a 1-0 through three and half innings.
However, Cobyn Herbert hit a 3-run homer, a line drive laser over the left field fence, and Tyler Feltz battled through his own struggles of wildness to give Elmira an unlikely 5-3 win over the then 3rd ranked Tigers Wednesday, April 10 at Elmira High School.
"I'm really proud of our kids," said head baseball coach Ryan Wolgamott in an email. "It shows how far they've come when you consider how bad we were beaten by Junction City in three games last year."
Feltz compounded the struggle for himself by issuing 4 walks and 4 hit batters, which included thumping Junction City's Hunter Van Curler three times. Feltz also wobbled in the 5th inning when he surrendered a majestic fly ball homer to Tiger's lead off man, Blake Hayes.
"(He had) a few control issues with the walks and hit batters but overall I was happy for him and what his emergence means for our team." coach Wolgamott continued.
Despite the fact that Feltz seemed always a step away from the abyss, the team's fielding, a double play, a stolen base attempt gunned down by CJ Smith, and four timely strike outs all kept Junction City at an arm's length. When Gavin Parker scored Landen Parker with a sac fly in the bottom of the fifth, the possibility of the upset was fully realized.
Still, the Falcons tantalized the Tigers with the opportunity of a rally. Ayden Wolgamott came on in the 7th in relief of Feltz and promptly put gasoline on a fire. After walking the lead off hitter in the inning, Wolgamott managed to get two outs but then hit Van Curler for the third time, to bring the winning run to the plate. Coach Wolgamott replaced his son with Gavin Parker who came in and shut down the rally in 5 pitches.
While it is only one victory in a long league schedule, it could signify a shift in power in the 4A Sky Em.
"I think this win will open some eyes in our league and put a bit of a target on our back,"noted coach Wolgamott. "We won’t be taken lightly moving forward."
The victory raised the Falcons to a #10 ranking despite the fact that there are 4 teams ahead of them with worse records, including Junction City. Next up will be a home game against Cottage Grove on Friday, April 12 at Elmira High School.
However, Cobyn Herbert hit a 3-run homer, a line drive laser over the left field fence, and Tyler Feltz battled through his own struggles of wildness to give Elmira an unlikely 5-3 win over the then 3rd ranked Tigers Wednesday, April 10 at Elmira High School.
"I'm really proud of our kids," said head baseball coach Ryan Wolgamott in an email. "It shows how far they've come when you consider how bad we were beaten by Junction City in three games last year."
Feltz compounded the struggle for himself by issuing 4 walks and 4 hit batters, which included thumping Junction City's Hunter Van Curler three times. Feltz also wobbled in the 5th inning when he surrendered a majestic fly ball homer to Tiger's lead off man, Blake Hayes.
"(He had) a few control issues with the walks and hit batters but overall I was happy for him and what his emergence means for our team." coach Wolgamott continued.
Despite the fact that Feltz seemed always a step away from the abyss, the team's fielding, a double play, a stolen base attempt gunned down by CJ Smith, and four timely strike outs all kept Junction City at an arm's length. When Gavin Parker scored Landen Parker with a sac fly in the bottom of the fifth, the possibility of the upset was fully realized.
Still, the Falcons tantalized the Tigers with the opportunity of a rally. Ayden Wolgamott came on in the 7th in relief of Feltz and promptly put gasoline on a fire. After walking the lead off hitter in the inning, Wolgamott managed to get two outs but then hit Van Curler for the third time, to bring the winning run to the plate. Coach Wolgamott replaced his son with Gavin Parker who came in and shut down the rally in 5 pitches.
While it is only one victory in a long league schedule, it could signify a shift in power in the 4A Sky Em.
"I think this win will open some eyes in our league and put a bit of a target on our back,"noted coach Wolgamott. "We won’t be taken lightly moving forward."
The victory raised the Falcons to a #10 ranking despite the fact that there are 4 teams ahead of them with worse records, including Junction City. Next up will be a home game against Cottage Grove on Friday, April 12 at Elmira High School.
Kister Silences Lady Falcon Bats; 3rd Ranked Junction City Rolls
After having to endure not only a rain cancellation but a road game that was supposed to be a home game, Elmira's softball team seemed poised to take the next step in their progress towards becoming a 4A power. Trying to shake off the inexplicable loss to Yamhill-Carlton last week, the Lady Falcons burst out early against the Lady Tigers of Junction City. Cheyenne White blasted a two run home run in the top of the first inning off of JC starting pitcher Jenna Kister, scoring Ashley Feltz in front of her staking Elmira starting pitcher Maranda Hanson an early two run lead. Then an eerie quiet fell over the Lady Falcons' bats.
Kister scattered 6 hits over the remaining 6 innings of scoreless ball as she outdueled Hanson to give the 3rd ranked Lady Tigers a crucial 6-2 4A Sky-Em league victory over Elmira Wednesday, April 10 at Junction City High School. Kister also scored a run. Hanson pitched the distance as well and pitched well enough to win had the offense held up their end, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits. However Hanson surrendered two 2-run home runs to Junction City's Abby Bumcroft to give Kister all of the support she would need to secure the victory.
The loss dropped the Lady Falcons to 6-3 (0-1 in league) with Cottage Grove coming to town on Friday afternoon.
Kister scattered 6 hits over the remaining 6 innings of scoreless ball as she outdueled Hanson to give the 3rd ranked Lady Tigers a crucial 6-2 4A Sky-Em league victory over Elmira Wednesday, April 10 at Junction City High School. Kister also scored a run. Hanson pitched the distance as well and pitched well enough to win had the offense held up their end, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits. However Hanson surrendered two 2-run home runs to Junction City's Abby Bumcroft to give Kister all of the support she would need to secure the victory.
The loss dropped the Lady Falcons to 6-3 (0-1 in league) with Cottage Grove coming to town on Friday afternoon.
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Estrella Strangles Sutherlin
Being back home for the first time in two weeks saw the Elmira baseball team come out with a workmanlike 3-0 win over Sutherlin, Wednesday April 3 at Elmira High School. Sutherlin would have had better luck if they had called in the game, so dominant was starting pitcher Bryson Estrella. The sophomore pitched 6 innings of scoreless ball, scattering two hits and registering 10 strike outs against one walk. Tyler Feltz came on in the seventh to slam the door on the victory.
Blake Wigham continues to have the hot bat as he ripped a 2 run double and Gavin Parker chipped in an RBI triple, both in the fourth inning, giving the Falcons more than enough offense for the win. The victory left Elmira with a respectable 6-2 record going into the first league tilt against rival Junction City next Tuesday.
Blake Wigham continues to have the hot bat as he ripped a 2 run double and Gavin Parker chipped in an RBI triple, both in the fourth inning, giving the Falcons more than enough offense for the win. The victory left Elmira with a respectable 6-2 record going into the first league tilt against rival Junction City next Tuesday.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Powerful 6A Reynolds Humbles Lady Falcons
Something happened on the way to a perfect season and holding on to the 4A #1 ranking in the state... a tournament date with 6A, 3rd ranked, Reynolds. With star pitcher Maranda Hanson not starting, an impeccable Lady Raider defense, and a bit of an offensive swoon, led to a 15-5 black eye loss. The victory left Reynolds with a sparkling 10-0 record for a team that is expected to vie for a championship in 6A this year. Inexplicable, considering the quality of Reynolds as an opponent why and how the metrics of state rankings let the Falcons fall from #1 to #4 in 4A.
Regardless, Elmira rose up from the loss and rolled through the remainder of the Sandy Tournament, beating host Sandy, Seaside and Silverton by a combined 26-6; 13-2, 7-2, and 6-2 respectively. This included a two home run outburst by JV hitter Riley Peeler.
Elmira travels to Yamhill-Carlton Wednesday April 3 before beginning league play against arch-rival Junction City next Tuesday.
All games are weather permitting.
Regardless, Elmira rose up from the loss and rolled through the remainder of the Sandy Tournament, beating host Sandy, Seaside and Silverton by a combined 26-6; 13-2, 7-2, and 6-2 respectively. This included a two home run outburst by JV hitter Riley Peeler.
Elmira travels to Yamhill-Carlton Wednesday April 3 before beginning league play against arch-rival Junction City next Tuesday.
All games are weather permitting.
Falcons Baseball Overcomes Sluggish Start and Spring Weather
As the early season was a frustrating mix of bus accidents, weather cancellations and struggling play, the Elmira baseball team spent Spring Break at the Madras baseball tournament.
Before that however, the Falcons face off with Creswell and reaped an 8-2 victory. Ayden Wolgamott was the star of the day pitching 4 and a third innings and only surrendering 2 runs. He also dominated at the plate getting 3 hits on the day.
A final road trip before the break saw Elmira facing off against 2A Walport, where the Falcons became the power station, unleashing home runs in the game as Elmira crushed Walport 14-2. Gavin Parker, Cobyn Herbert, and Blake Wigham all launched bombs, with Wigham collecting 5 RBIs on 3 hits. All of the offense supported a workmanlike victory for Hunter Stockinger, who gave up only 2 runs. The victory raised the Falcons' record to 3-1 on the season.
Then, a strong dose of reality was doled out by tiny 3A Taft High school, leveling a humbling 15-0 beat down on Elmira, holding them to two hits.
"They were really good," Herbert commented in a conversation later. Taft record is deceptive then because they are 3-5 at press time. So dominate was their victory however, that it was shortened after reaching the 5th inning with a 10 run or more lead.
With one of their games cancelled by weather yet again, the Falcons had only two more games to recover from the Taft blitzkrieg. Playing host Madras, Elmira rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th for a scintillating 8-7 win.
The following game is somewhat inexplicable on multiple fronts. McLoughlin stormed out to a commanding 11-6 lead after 4 and half innings. Then the wheels came off for the 4A Pioneers as McLoughlin pitching was in a magnanimous mood, offering 13 walks, combined with 9 doubles by the Falcons. The result was an electrifying 13 run bottom of the 7th and a ridiculous 24-11 rout of the Pioneers. It is a game that the Falcons know they got away with one.
"We played pretty sloppy," Herbert lamented.
Elmira will host the Sutherlin Bulldogs from the 3A-5 Far West League on Wednesday April 3... weather permitting.
Before that however, the Falcons face off with Creswell and reaped an 8-2 victory. Ayden Wolgamott was the star of the day pitching 4 and a third innings and only surrendering 2 runs. He also dominated at the plate getting 3 hits on the day.
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| Ayden Wolgamott slides into second on a steal attempt in a game vs Hidden Valley earlier this year. Photo by Michelle Ossowski |
A final road trip before the break saw Elmira facing off against 2A Walport, where the Falcons became the power station, unleashing home runs in the game as Elmira crushed Walport 14-2. Gavin Parker, Cobyn Herbert, and Blake Wigham all launched bombs, with Wigham collecting 5 RBIs on 3 hits. All of the offense supported a workmanlike victory for Hunter Stockinger, who gave up only 2 runs. The victory raised the Falcons' record to 3-1 on the season.
Then, a strong dose of reality was doled out by tiny 3A Taft High school, leveling a humbling 15-0 beat down on Elmira, holding them to two hits.
"They were really good," Herbert commented in a conversation later. Taft record is deceptive then because they are 3-5 at press time. So dominate was their victory however, that it was shortened after reaching the 5th inning with a 10 run or more lead.
With one of their games cancelled by weather yet again, the Falcons had only two more games to recover from the Taft blitzkrieg. Playing host Madras, Elmira rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th for a scintillating 8-7 win.
The following game is somewhat inexplicable on multiple fronts. McLoughlin stormed out to a commanding 11-6 lead after 4 and half innings. Then the wheels came off for the 4A Pioneers as McLoughlin pitching was in a magnanimous mood, offering 13 walks, combined with 9 doubles by the Falcons. The result was an electrifying 13 run bottom of the 7th and a ridiculous 24-11 rout of the Pioneers. It is a game that the Falcons know they got away with one.
"We played pretty sloppy," Herbert lamented.
Elmira will host the Sutherlin Bulldogs from the 3A-5 Far West League on Wednesday April 3... weather permitting.
Girl's Basketball Season Ends on a Deep Skid
The Elmira girls basketball team said goodbye to their seniors and then said good bye to their dismal 3-19 season. In a year which included an 11 game losing streak that was aided by injuries to guard Carli Grossmiller and post Alexis White, the Lady Falcons followed up a 2 point win over lowly Siuslaw with a 6 game swoon to end the season. Often, over-matched by the bigger schools like Marshfield and Cottage Grove, Elmira found themselves playing strong down the stretch.
Going forward, the Lady Falcons will be doing so without head coach Ken Best who will be moving on in the 2019-20 season. Also likely to not return will be Junior Post 6-1 Maranda Hanson who was playing her first season of basketball. Throughout the tumultuous season, it was clear that not only was she struggling with the game, getting by on her sheer athleticism, but she was genuinely not enjoying herself at all. It is rumored she will shun basketball next year to concentrate on softball where she is a dominant pitcher for the Lady Falcons.
Going forward, the Lady Falcons will be doing so without head coach Ken Best who will be moving on in the 2019-20 season. Also likely to not return will be Junior Post 6-1 Maranda Hanson who was playing her first season of basketball. Throughout the tumultuous season, it was clear that not only was she struggling with the game, getting by on her sheer athleticism, but she was genuinely not enjoying herself at all. It is rumored she will shun basketball next year to concentrate on softball where she is a dominant pitcher for the Lady Falcons.
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