Outlaws trounce Cascade in state play-in game

The Outlaws trounced the Cougars 9-1 in a state play-in game at home in Sisters on Thursday, May 17. The win marked the Outlaws' 23rd consecutive victory.

Justin Harrer got a base hit in the first inning to get the Outlaws rolling. Harrer advanced to second on a wild pitch, and Jarden Weem's base hit to right field moved Harrer to third. While Shane Groth was at the plate the Cougar catcher interfered with the swing and Harrer came home for Sisters' first run of the contest.

Sisters tacked on two more runs in the third. Shane Groth hit an RBI line drive up the middle and Bryce Alderman had a sacrifice fly deep to left field for an RBI. After three innings the Outlaws held a 3-0 lead.

Jarden Weem's two-RBI single and a base hit from Groth highlighted the fifth inning.

Cascade fell apart in the fifth, walked several batters and committed errors that resulted in runs for the Outlaws.

The Cougars scored their lone run in the seventh, and the game ended in a 9-1 win for the Sisters.

Groth was flawless at the plate, going 3/3 with three RBI. Groth pitched six shut-out innings, struck out eleven batters and had zero walks. Shane was the winning pitcher of record and is currently 12-0.

"Shane had some key hits with runners in scoring position with the game not yet decided," said Coach Steve Hodges. "And, he did great when the game was at a pivotal point in the fourth inning. We were ahead 3-0 and Cascade loaded the bases with two outs. Shane got their No. 9 hitter to ground the ball back to him to end the inning. And, he had a big fifth inning to preserve the victory."

"Shane has an ERA of .85, which is less than one run per game," added Hodges. "If we can support him at all we know we have a good chance to win."

The Outlaws are feeling confident as they advance to the first round of 16 in the state tourney.

"We're feeling great," said Hodges. "We wanted to host and we're where we want to be. We're peaking at the right time and playing with confidence. The kids are all working hard and are very upbeat."

Sisters was to play at home on Wednesday, May 23, at 4:30 p.m.