Outlaws baseball loses a heartbreaker

The Outlaws suffered a heartbreaking 7-6 loss in their league opener against Sweet Home on Wednesday, March 30.

Sisters held a 6-4 lead going into the bottom of the seventh inning. Sisters made a play for the first out and then two Sweet Home batters got on base. Husky player Travis Smith stepped up to the plate and hit a three-run homer for the win.

Sisters showed some offensive spark in the third and sixth innings.

At the end of the third inning the Outlaws took a 2-1 lead over Sweet Home when Jeff Fitter hit a two RBI single.

In the sixth Andy Burke doubled off the left field fence and was later driven home by Jeff Sampson.

Defensively, Carter Davenport was the hero for the day.

In the bottom of the sixth Sweet Home had the bases loaded when their No. 8 batter hit a deep fly ball to center field. Davenport made an incredible catch for the out.

“It (Davenport’s catch) was reminiscent of the great Wille Mays,” said Coach Kevin Bigby.

Sisters had nine hits as a team. Davenport had two hits and Burke had two hits including a double.

Fitter finished with two hits and two RBI. Fitter pitched the entire seven innings for the Outlaws, had four strike-outs and only allowed one walk.

“I think a heartbreaking loss like this will only make us a tougher team,” said Bigby. “It makes you want to work harder to achievesuccess.”

Just a day later the Outlaws lost 13-7 to Molalla. The offense was strong but the Outlaws fell down in the field.

Sisters recorded 14 hits in the game. Andy Burke was three for four at the plate and drove in two runs. Jeff Sampson belted out two doubles for the team and CarterDavenport, Cody Ramsey, Jesse Stevens and Ben Bushnell each had two hits.

“We hit well enough to win the game,” said Coach Kevin Bigby. “We just couldn’t play fundamental defense.”

The Outlaws committed six errors that enabled Molalla to extend several of their innings, which resulted in more runs.

Cody Ramsey started out at the mound for Sisters. Tyler Trask, Nic Morton, Samspon and Burke all helped out in relief.

In spite of the two league losses Coach Kevin Bigby had praise for his team.

“With this week’s games we’re encouraged with our skill development hitting wise,” said Bigby.

“As a coach I take full responsibility for getting the kids more game ready.”