News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Henley blanks Outlaws in title game

Henley senior Jon Guzman was a force to be reckoned with in the Outlaws' 4A state championship game on Saturday, June 7, held at the Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. Guzman threw a no-hitter and recorded 12 strike-outs in blanking the Outaws 10-0. He also hit a solo home-run in the fourth inning.

Coach Steve Hodges said, "Guzman is left-handed, and he pitched a great game. He had good movement and he changed up his speeds. He hit his spots, kept the ball down, and got more confident as the game went on."

The senior-dominated Henley squad was more than the Outlaws could handle. The Hornets have played in a lot of play-off games the last three years, and their experience and confidence was evident.

The Outlaws committed five errors, recorded six walks, and hit four batters.

Despite the loss, Hodges was pleased with his young squad.

"I'm super-proud of the kids, and their accomplishments, and what they were able to do this year," said Hodges. "We're a young team, and it was great for them to experience a championship game, and something they'll never forget. We will build on this for next year."

Four days earlier the Outlaws recorded a sweet win over North Marion in the semi-finals.

Jardon Weems hit a line-drive to right field in the first inning to score Justin Harrer and give the Outlaws a 1-0 lead. Alec Gannon ripped a ball to center field in the second to score another run.

The Outlaws tacked on two in the third to push to a 4-0 advantage. Joey Morgan and Cody Kreminski both had RBI-singles to center field.

In the fifth inning, the Huskies scored two runs on back-to-back Sisters errors, and narrowed the score to 5-2.

Sisters loaded up the bases in the sixth, and Morgan followed with a two-RBI base-hit to left field to extend the Outlaws' lead to 7-2.

In the final inning, with two runners on base, Weems made a diving catch to grab a ground-ball, jump up, and tag the runner who was headed to third. The impressive play prevented the Huskies from loading the bases, and kept their No. 4 hitter from taking the plate. Morgan struck out the final batter, and pandemonium ensued. The Outlaws rushed Morgan on the mound, and celebrated the win.

"The guys were just jumping, and hugging, and shouting," said Hodges. "It was such a neat feeling to know we are going to the championship game. It's pretty special. Henley is going to be a formidable opponent. They are good in all phases of the game, and deserve to be going to the championships as well."

Morgan pitched all seven innings for the Outlaws and earned the win.

"I can't put into words how excited I was when we got that last out," said Morgan. "I just looked over at my teammates, and they all ran out to me and gave me hugs. It was the best feeling I've ever had on a baseball field."

 

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