Outlaws fall in state quarterfinals

The Outlaws notched a 7-5 win in 10 innings at home against Gladstone on Thursday, May 26, but lost the following day to Astoria in the quarterfinals.

Thursday's game was long and grueling, but the Outlaws persevered and walked away with a very satisfying victory.

Gladstone started the scoring with a big two-RBI double to deep center in the top of the second. At the top of the fourth inning the Gladiators had pushed to a 4-0 lead over the Outlaws.

Sisters answered back in the bottom of the fourth and tied the game at 4-4. Jordan Hodges led off with a double to right center over the fielder's head. Joey Morgan was hit by a pitch, and then Erik Carlson ripped one down the left field line to load the bases. Marcus Arends hit a ground ball up the middle to score Hodges, and was followed by Shane Groth's double to right field that knocked in three and tied the game.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Outlaws tacked on one more to take a narrow 5-4 advantage. Hodges walked, stole second and then Morgan drove him in with an RBI single.

The Gladiators tied it back up in the top of the seventh when they scored off a double by catcher Kenny Simic. Simic got to third on a fielder's choice and then scored on a wild pitch.

At the end of seven, the score was tied 5-5 and the game went into extra innings.

Groth pitched eight-and-a-half innings for the Outlaws and was relieved by Hodges in the ninth inning. Jordan took the mound with one out and players on first and second. Sisters got a ground out to shortstop and a force-out at second base, and then Hodges struck out Gladstone's No. 5 hitter for the third and final out.

Sisters drove in two in the bottom of the 10th. Morgan led off with a line drive up the middle and Carlson slammed a homerun over the right field wall (about 340') to secure the win.

"When that ball disappeared, we knew it was out," said Coach Steve Hodges.

At that point, it was utter pandemonium as the team, along with parents and fans celebrated and enjoyed the moment.

"It was just a great win," said Hodges. "It was a wonderful feeling to have that kind of an end."

Hodges was struck with Gladstone's tremendous display of sportsmanship.

"Gladstone showed such great class and sportsmanship in the loss," said Hodges. "They were very congratulatory, and their pitcher was the first one to meet Erik at the plate and congratulate him. That was just amazing to me."

Sisters scored seven runs on 10 hits and four errors and Gladstone finished with five runs on 10 hits and two errors.

The team loaded up the bus early the next morning to take on Astoria in the state quarterfinals. The game was held at the Hillsboro Stadium (turf) and started at 1:30 p.m. The marathon game from the previous day and the long ride over the hill took its toll on the Outlaws. Coach Hodges stated they played a little tired and never really got into their rhythm.

Sisters matched up against a tough, experienced Astoria team. The Fighting Fisherman have made it to state four years in a row and have been crowned State Champions twice. They came into the game with a 22-2 record.

Astoria proved they were a tough competitor, and won the contest 8-1.

Sisters scored their lone run in the fourth inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Justin Erlandson hit a ball to third. The third baseman couldn't handle it and Marcus Arends scored.

The Outlaws trailed by just two (3-1) heading into the fifth inning, but then gave up five runs and the Fighting Fishermen went up 8-1.

Sisters wrapped up their season with a 23-4 record.

Coach Steve Hodges said, "I couldn't have asked for more. We had seven new starters this year and I can honestly say that not many teams with that many new kids make it to the quarterfinals at State. This is a great team and we've had a great year. I've enjoyed the kids and appreciate their positive attitude and their work ethic. To win 23 games is awesome, and I've proud of all of them."