Baseball ends losing streak with 6–5 overtime win

By Oliver Lazenby

Blaine’s Hayden Dohner hit an overtime RBI single to seize a 6–5 win at Sehome on April 3, ending a four-game losing streak for Blaine varsity baseball.

Dohner powered the Borderites offense, going 3-for-4 with a double and two singles. Kai Nagle and Cruz Rodriguez contributed with two singles each.

Blaine and Sehome were tied 5–5 for the final regular innings. Sehome had a scoring opportunity with runners on first and second base and two outs in the sixth inning, but Blaine’s relief pitcher Cam Ellis struck out Tim Malo to end the inning.

Blaine catcher Nagle started the eighth inning with a single to center field. Nick Gunderson placed a successful sacrifice bunt toward third base and Ben Wallen followed with a single, putting runners on first and third base.

Dohner smashed a single to right field to bring home the winning run.

Blaine closer Rodriguez pitched the bottom of the eighth inning. After Sehome’s leadoff hitter grounded out, Rodriguez walked Makana Grondin. Sehome’s next batter hit a grounder to second base that the Borderites turned into a game-ending double play.

Blaine head coach Tanner Olson hopes the victory will be a turning point for his team. The Borderites have struggled offensively through the four-game losing streak, scoring just six runs in those games.

“We just haven’t been swinging the bat very well,” Olson said. “My main message to the guys is just keep fighting and we’ll find some holes.”

Blaine pitcher Colby Knutzen pitched four innings and gave up four runs in his first game this season. Knutzen, a vital part of the team for the past two years, has been on the bench with an injured finger.

“Honestly, I think Colby coming back might be the spark we needed,” Olson said. “He’s got speed, he’s good on the mound and he’ll be our starting centerfielder. We keep talking about momentum and I think Colby coming back will be big for that.”

The win improves Blaine’s record to 3–6 overall (1–3 in conference games).

Blaine plays next at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6 in Chelan. The Borderites’ next home game is at 4:30 on Wednesday, April 11 against Ferndale.