Photo Credit: God’s Gifts Photography
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore – The Tillamook Cheesemakers (18-10) defeated the Henley Hornets (25-4) in the OSAA Semifinals 3-1 in nine innings.
Tillamook struck first in the fourth inning when Josh Manns lined an RBI double to left field, scoring Chance Fletcher. Both teams were held off the board until the seventh inning, when the Hornets got across the tying run on an error, scoring Conner Shively. The Hornets got the bases loaded with a chance to earn a walkoff victory when Alex Smith blasted a ball to center field. The Mook center-fielder, Aden Garcia, layed out for a ball in the gap to end the inning.
The teams traded scoreless frames in the eighth, but Tillamook broke through in the ninth. After two quick outs, an error at first base extended the inning for the Cheesemakers, and they took advantage with a walk and back-to-back RBI singles from Lakota Navarre and Kevin Hurliman. Henley was able to load the bases in the bottom of the ninth, but was unable to push anything across to extend the game.
Despite an incredible effort, Corbin Hamilton was the game’s losing pitcher, working 8.2 innings with nine strikeouts, only allowing one earned run. Wrigley Percy got the win for The Mooks, working 3.1 innings, allowing one hit, and four strikeouts. The Cheesemakers walked a total of 14 Henley batters, and the Hornets left 18 runners on base in the contest. Jacoby Tacchini and Conner Shively were the only Hornets to record hits on the day.
Henley’s season ends in the semifinals for the third consecutive year. The Cheesemakers are moving on to their first state title game in school history, and will face Marist Catholic (24-4) on June 6th at 7:30 p.m. at Roto Rooter Park in Keizer.
