It’s hard to lose a baseball game when you hit the ball 17 times.
The Juneau-Douglas Crimson Bears showed that in a 20-16 win over the Colony Knights in the consolation semi-finals of the ASAA/First National Bank Alaska State Baseball Championships.
After scrounging together just three runs on Thursday, JDHS’ bats returned to full health on Friday at Mulcahy Stadium in Anchorage.
JDHS scored 13 runs in the first two innings and never trailed after that.
“Both teams did a good job of getting the pitch that they liked,” JDHS coach Chad Bentz said. “It wasn’t the prettiest game but I’m glad that the guys battled and came out on top.”
The Knights made a late-game push to take the lead in the sixth inning by scoring six runs. According to Bentz, the Crimson Bears repeatedly walked Knights’ batters to score runs.
“When pitchers walk people it’s impossible to defend that and it’s just a bummer because they’re trying their hardest and sometimes they can’t find the strike zone.”
[Wolverines’ rallies doom Crimson Bears]
Throughout the course of the game, several newer faces stepped up for JDHS, including sophomore Kona Ogoy who had two hits.
The Crimson Bears have been without the pitching services of senior Bryce Swofford all season due to injury. Still, Swofford made the trip and has been helping out with his hitting and dugout presence.
“It’s a little a difficult knowing that I can’t go out there and shut a game down or be a bigger part of the game,” Swofford said. “But I’m glad I can contribute where I can.”
Junior Donavin McCurley said playing earlier in the day made it easier to hit.
“Yesterday it was kind of bright, the sun was right over the field, and today was a little slower pitching so we had time to see it,” McCurley said.
JDHS plays Service at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mulcahy Stadium for fourth place.
• Contact sports reporter Nolin Ainsworth at 523-2272 or nolin.ainsworth@juneauempire.com.
