OROVILLE – Oroville’s baseball team fell one run shy of its first victory of the season, falling 11-10 to Bridgeport on Friday, March 30, at Stan Nelson Field.
Nine walks, four hit batters and three errors were enough to offset some solid Hornet hitting.
“Josh ‘Turtle’ Mincarcin did a good job in relief,” said Oroville coach Tam Hutchinson. “We need to continue working on pitching. Ned Mathis will be eligible after break, which should help some. And look for Nicky Perez to be doing some pitching in the near future.”
A four-run second inning staked the Hornets to a 5-3 lead, but Bridgeport put up four of its own in the fifth. A three-run sixth inning put Oroville up 9-8, but the Hornets couldn’t get the final three outs before the Mustangs took the lead for good in the seventh.
Brody Naysnerski went 4-for-5 with a double and Matt Egerton hit two doubles and had three RBIs for the Hornets. Nick Perez added two hits and scored three runs and Steve Maupin had three hits, scored twice and drove in a run. The Hornets (0-4) outhit the Mustangs 16-12.
Rafa Cruz hit a home run over right center for the Mustangs.
Oroville Soccer
The Hornets earned their first victory of the season on Tuesday, March 27, defeating Liberty Bell 5-3.
Angel Camacho and Raul Rodriguez each scored two goals and EZ Layata added one for the Hornets.
“Our team responded well to the coaching staff’s plea for urgency and better midfield play,” said Oroville coach Mike Pitts. “This game was won with excellent midfield play from Alex Alvarez, Angel Camacho, EZ Layata, Cruz Viveros and Brian Wise.
“The defense also played cohesively and helped new goalkeeper Lukas Mieirs out immensely.”
The Hornets struck quickly for a 3-0 lead, but the Mountain Lions trimmed the deficit to 3-2 before Oroville pulled away late.
“Our midfield play was solid and despite our short roster, we played hard to the end,” Pitts said. “We controlled the ball very well and in doing so kept Liberty Bell from attacking like they wanted to.”
During the previous week, Camacho, Rodriguez and Sebastian Lindner each scored in the Hornets March 20 loss to Okanogan, and Levi Werner had 17 saves. The teams went in at the half tied 2-2.
Oroville (1-3, 1-0 Central Washington League) next play April 10 at Manson.
Oroville Tennis
The Hornets’ tennis teams traveled to Okanogan on Wednesday, March 28. Both the boys and girls squads lost to the Bulldogs 4-1.
The tennis teams travel to Liberty Bell on Tuesday, April 10.
Tonasket Softball
TONASKET – Defending Caribou Trail League champion Cascade handed Tonasket’s fastpitch softball team its first loss of the season on Tuesday, March 27, 17-0.
The Kodiaks scored all the runs they needed in a 10-run first inning, but Tonasket coach Emily Rimestad said she was pleased with her team’s effort, especially after the rough start.
“The girls, did very well,” Rimestad said. “(There were) only a few errors during the game and they did a good job competing with Cascade.”
Rylee Fewkes pitched for the Tigers (4-1, 0-1 CTL).
“The girls stayed upbeat during the whole game,” Rimestad said. “They didn’t give up.”
The Tigers’ doubleheader at Chelan on Saturday was postponed by rain.
Tonasket next plays Tuesday, April 10, at Okanogan.
Tonasket Baseball
TONASKET – Tonasket and Cascade played on despite the rain in their Tuesday, March 27, Caribou Trail League baseball opener.
The Kodiaks put the game away early with an eight-run first inning and cruised to a 13-2, five inning victory over the Tigers.
Rain did keep the Tigers off the field on Saturday, as their doubleheader at Chelan was postponed due to rain and snow.
Tonasket next plays Tuesday, April 10, at Okanogan.
Tonasket soccer
The Tigers defeated Oroville 5-2 in the two teams’ second contest of the year, but also tasted defeat for the first two times this season.
Cascade blanked the Tigers 5-0 on Tuesday, March 27, in the Tigers Caribou Trail League opener. Tonasket rebounded to beat Oroville on Thursday but lost 4-1 at Chelan on Saturday, March 31.
The Tigers (4-2-1, 0-2 CTL) next play at Okanogan on April 10.
