Outlaws fall to Astoria in playoffs

The Astoria Fishermen crushed the Outlaws 12-4 in the semi-finals of the state baseball playoffs on Tuesday, May 27, dashing all hopes Sisters had of making it to the championship game.

The score remained deadlocked at 0-0 until the bottom of the third inning when Astoria scored four runs. The Fishermen got their first two players on base with ground ball singles and the following hard hit to center field scored two. Astoria added two more runs in the inning to take a 4-0 lead.

Sisters scored their first run in the top of the fourth. Taylor Davenport walked and Brandon Morgan hit a double into left field. Sean Heagney drove in Davenport with a single.

In the bottom of the inning Astoria took complete control. The Fishermen started with a solo home run and added six more runs in the inning to push to an 11-1 advantage.

Sisters tacked on another run in the sixth. Three players were walked to load the bases and a fielder's choice by Aaron Fegenbush scored the run.

Astoria capped their scoring with one last run in the bottom of the sixth to take a 12-2 lead.

Sisters did add two more runs in the seventh. Jarred Hasskamp hit a double to center field and Tanner Hodges followed with a double to center field for the RBI. A single by Stovall brought Hodges home.

Hodges pitched the first three innings for Sisters. Jackson pitched some in the fourth inning and then was relieved by Hasskamp.

Coach Steve Hodges said that Astoria's starting pitcher had very good velocity and a late break on his curve ball that was tough to hit.

"We could have been more aggressive at the plate in the early innings but we watched too many pitches and got behind," said Hodges. "Astoria's got nine guys that were aggressive at the plate. They played good offense and defense. They didn't have a lot of weaknesses and that's why they're in the championship game. They're well coached and disciplined and are aggressive and confident."

Hodges was pleased with his team and their successful season.

"It was great to see our kids have success in the playoffs," he said. "When you realize we made it to the final four you know it's a big accomplishment. It doesn't happen very often. I feel fortunate that this group of guys got to have that experience.