2/23: The varsity debut of the sophomore pitcher, Ben Cohen, was impressive. Standing on the hill for the first time in varsity shoes against the D1 Vanden Vikings, Cohen looked comfortable all afternoon.
Sophomore Ben Cohen fires a strike
Following in his two older brothers’ footsteps, the Giants pitcher threw six one-hit innings, ringing up three Vikings along the way. Despite the impressive performance by Cohen he would not get a decision, as Redwood was locked in a zero-zero tie with the Vikings after six shutout innings of baseball.
The Giants had many opportunities to score in the early parts of the game but could never capitalize. They loaded the bases in the fourth inning with hard-hit balls and nifty bunts but left the runners on base. Each time the offense showed signs of life, the Vikings would find a way to kill the threat. The game was defined by good pitching and error-free defense. Catcher, Jake Nordstrom, helped Cohen along the way, throwing out a Viking baserunner at second base after Cohen threw a third strike for a double play.
Giants shortstop, Jackson Reed, was flawless in the middle, making several athletic plays at critical moments in the game. The game eventually went into extra innings. The designated hitter, Nick Welch, was given the ball in the seventh inning to stymie any hope of a Vikings walk-off victory.
Shortstop Jackson Reed was perfect in his seven chances in the field
In the top of the eighth, the Giants finally broke through. Now pitcher, Nick Welch, led the inning off with a double to right field. Satoshi Miki entered the game to run for Welch. Satoshi quickly took advantage of a wild pitch and stole third base. After, Matt Birchenough singled to right field, scoring Miki (1-0). Birch would promptly steal second, placing himself in scoring position for a newly activated left fielder, Jared Robinow. JR stepped up and singled to right field, moving Birchenough to third base. Jake Gassman then laid down a nice bunt, safely squeezing Birchenough across Homeplate (2-0). After, Jackson Reed got hit by a pitch, moving Robinow into scoring position. Red hot senior, Genki LeClair, ripped his third hit of the day, scoring Jared Robinow (3-0). The Vikings catcher then made a run-scoring mistake by throwing down to second base to pick off the speedy senior, Genki LeClair. With little hope of tagging LeClair, Jackson Reed did not hesitate and plated the Giants fourth run of the inning.
Pitcher, Nick Welch, would close the door on the Vikings to secure the victory. Final Score: 4-0.
Notables: Genki LeClair (3H,1RBI), Lucas Roy (1H), Nick Welch (1H), Matt Birchenough (1H,1Run, 1RBI), Jared Robinow (1H,1Run), Jake Gassman (1RBI), Jackson Reed (1Run), & Satoshi Miki (1Run).
The 3-0 Giants are scheduled to play Montgomery High School at home on Wednesday the 27th – weather permitting. Nick Welch is the projected starter. Go, Giants!