Outlaws defeat Cascade in play-in game

The Outlaws crushed Cascade, 12-0, in five innings at home in Sisters on Thursday, May 19. The Outlaws will advance to the first round of 16 in the state championships next week. Sisters was to host Gladstone on Wednesday, May 25, at 4:30 p.m. The victory over the Cougars marked the fourth consecutive game the Outlaws have recorded a win in five innings due to the 10-run rule.

Sisters went one, two, three to retire the side in the top of the first inning, and then the Outlaws started their offensive onslaught.

Erik Carlson got the scoring going for the Outlaws in the bottom of the first with an RBI line drive to right center that scored Justin Erlandson. Shane Groth scored Joey Morgan on a sacrifice fly, and Sisters went up 2-0.

Back-to-back doubles from Jordan Hodges and Morgan highlighted the second inning. Hodges' hit bounced over the left center fence and scored Nicky Blumm, and Morgan's shot to right center brought home Hodges and put Sisters up 4-0.

The Outlaws tacked on five more runs in the third to push to a 9-0 advantage due in part to big hits from Carlson and Groth. Carlson smashed a two-run RBI double to right center and Groth hit a two-RBI single down the right field line.

Sisters wrapped up their scoring effort with three runs in the fourth.

Coach Steve Hodges said, "Overall, they were ready to play. They looked sharp, played good defense and were firing on all cylinders."

Jordan Hodges pitched four innings for the Outlaws and earned the win thanks to Morgan's help from behind the plate. Groth came in as relief in the fifth, and Sam Calarco took over at catcher.

Coach Hodges said, "Jordan got himself in a little jam in the third inning with the bases loaded and two outs. He had some control problems, but worked his way out and forced a pop-up to center field for the out. He did a good job in the first two innings, changing up the speed and getting ahead of hitters."

Seniors Carlson and Hodges commented on how they feel about heading into the state playoffs.

Hodges said, "I feel we're relaxed and confident. We're in our groove and we know we can play good ball. Our hitting has come alive, and our defense and pitching have been better than ever the last couple of games."

Carlson, one of the Outlaws' leading hitters, added, "We're doing well and I feel like we've really hit our stride. We're peaking at just the right time."