Getting the leadoff hitter on base via a walk ended up lifting the Bearcats to both of their runs that proved to be enough to dispatch the Mariners 2-1 at Bearcat Stadium on Friday night.
Heading into spring break with one last non-league game next week against Bainbridge, W.F. West (8-0) is one of three teams still with a perfect record.
“We (have) to continue to put the ball in play and get guys on base early,” Bearcats head coach Jesse Elam said.
Down 1-0 entering the bottom of the third, leadoff hitter Hiro Smaciarz laid down a drag bunt to plate Isaiah Nachatilo-Smetzler, who led off the frame with a walk, to tie the game at one. Ross Kelley did the same in the fourth and got to third base on a wild pitch, then Weston Potter recorded an RBI groundout to put W.F. West on top for good.
Grady Westlund earned the win on the bump after throwing four innings and recording six strikeouts. Southpaw Connor Coleman needed just 12 pitches to set down Sehome 1-2-3 all on strikeouts to secure the win.
“Our pitchers did a great job,” Elam stated. “I really like how we attack the strike zone. We’ve been a lot more consistent than in years past.”
