Nooksack Valley baseball gained a much-needed confidence boost with a 4-1 Northwest Conference victory over Squalicum Wednesday, April 12, at Squalicum High School.
The Pioneers, who entered the game with just two wins and were coming off back-to-back league losses, used a staunch defensive effort to keep the Storm’s offense at bay.
After a quiet first two innings, Squalicum took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third when junior Josh Kreta stole home off a Nooksack error.
The Pioneers punched back and took a 2-1 lead at the top of the fourth via a two-run hit by junior outfielder Kasey Newton. From that point on, the Storm were held scoreless as Nooksack’s stifling defense kept Squalicum in check.
Nooksack’s defense was highlighted by junior center fielder Eduardo Cerda, who made an impressive sliding catch to end the bottom of the fifth, helping the Pioneers escape a bases-loaded jam.
Squalicum’s Chase Anderson led off the bottom of the seventh with a deep triple, but the Storm were unable to capitalize after a baserunner was picked off, followed by consecutive ground outs to end the game.
Nooksack Valley coach Joel DeWispelaere was pleased with how his team gutted out the win.
“They came out here and played team baseball,” DeWispelaere said. “They all played really well defensively and were able to adjust well to solid pitching by Squalicum. Everybody did their job.”
Nooksack senior pitcher Bennett DeLange agreed it was their ability to work together and make timely plays that propelled them to the win.
“We know that we can make plays,” DeLange said.
The Pioneers also credited the victory to their ability to keep calm and not get rattled.
“We try not to let the little things get in our heads and distract us from making plays that we’ve worked on during practice,” Newton said.
DeLange, Bradley Blake, Jesse Tresselt and Henry Lind scored all four runs for Nooksack, while DeLange stole two bases and sophomore Colby Martin swiped one.
DeWispelaere would like to see the Pioneers carry this solid defensive effort into their next game and keep building on their wins.
Nooksack Valleyimproved to 3-9 overall and 2-6 in league, and will face Lynden Christian (2-5, 3-7 NWC) at home at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 14.
Squalicum fell to 6-5 overall and 4-4 in league, and travels to Daniels Baseball Field at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 14, to play Anacortes (10-3, 7-1 NWC).
