Outlaws baseball wins three on the diamond

Sisters won all three games they played this past week. The Outlaws squeaked out a 9-8 win in the bottom of the seventh at home against Elmira on Monday, April 13, and at home two days later, they beat Junction City 10-3. On Friday, they crushed the Bulldogs at Sutherlin 19-2.

Sisters' defense had a very rough first inning in their game against Elmira on Monday. The Outlaws hit two batters, walked one, and committed three infield errors to give the Falcons six base runners.

At the close of the first inning, the Falcons held a 5-0 advantage. The Outlaws scored a run in the second, and then racked up five runs in the third to take a 6-5 lead, highlighted by Jon Luz's line-drive base-hit up the middle that scored two.

In the seventh, Sisters was on top 8-6 with two outs and two strikes on the batter. The Falcons hit a line-drive with the bases loaded, and scored two runners to tie the game.

Zach Morgan came in to pitch with two runners still on base, and was able to retire the side.

In the bottom of the seventh, with one out, Ryan Funk hit a double to right-center. Elmira intentionally walked Cody Kreminski, and Ben Larson walked to load the bases. Freshman Odin Thorson took the plate, and with the count at 1-2, hit a laser-line-drive down the left-field line to score the winning run.

Hodges commented on the Outlaws' shaky defensive performance.

"Our defense today was very uncharacteristic," said Hodges. "It was a combination of tough plays and plays we should make every time. It was our worst defensive inning of the season by far. We had three consecutive errors on three consecutive plays.

"But, we dug, clawed, scratched, and fought, and pulled out a win."

Alex Olivier had the best game of his career going two-for-five with two doubles, and a triple in the second inning that ripped down the right-field line.

Jon Luz went two-for-four with three RBI. Luz also pitched the first six innings for the Outlaws.

Hodges said, "Jon's pitching started off rough, but after that first inning he gathered his composure and had five scoreless innings.

At home two days later, the Outlaws defeated Junction City 10-3.

Morgan was the winning pitcher, and finished the game with six strike-outs, and one walk. Zach pitched the first four innings, and Justin Harrer and Alex Olivier combined to close.

Hodges commented on Morgan's pitching performance.

"I really appreciated Zach coming out and throwing strikes," stated Hodges. "As a freshman, he's done a great job on the mound for us. I appreciate his competitive desire. We've asked a lot from him, and he's come through, and he always elevates his teammates above himself."

Sisters' biggest hit came from Harrer in the second inning. Justin hit a two-run homer 50 feet over the fence.

"There was no question the ball was gone as soon as it was hit," said Hodges. "Justin did what he needed to do with the guy trying to get him out with his curve-ball. Justin has a lot of power, and when he hits the baseball it's fun to see."

Olivier went two-for-three.

"Alex is having a great year," said Hodges. "He's really matured as a hitter. He's made nice changes to his approach at the plate, and is swinging at better pitches. He's a big contributor to our offense."

The Outlaws wrapped up their week with a huge win at Sutherlin.

The Outlaws are 5-1 in league and 12-2 overall. Sisters was to play at home against Burns on Monday, April 20, and at home against Sutherlin on Tuesday. The Outlaws will play at home against Cottage Grove on Friday.