Mules edge Comets 5-4

The Wahkiakum Mules held on to an early lead to defeat the Naselle Comets 5-4 in a non-league baseball game March 14.

The Mules scored one run in the second and four in the third to take their lead.

In the big inning, Brenden McClain led off with a walk and stole second base. Josh Rongey singled; Ty Briscoe singled home McClain, and Matt Willette doubled home Rongey and Briscoe.

Naselle answered with one run in the top of the fourth, runs in the sixth, and one in the seventh.

Willette doubled again in the fifth inning and was the Mules' leading hitter, going 2-3 with two runs batted in. Matt Doumit had the team's other hit.

Travis Bain started on the mound and pitched four innings for the Mules; he gave up no hits or earned runs and struck out four batters. Blain Fritizie pitched two innings and gave up one hit and struck out three batters. Willette came in in the seventh inning to shut down a Naselle rally.

"Willette came in with two runners on and no outs and struck out three Naselle hitters to get the save," said Mule Coach Jeff Rooklidge. "He showed outstanding composure coming into a difficult situation and getting us out of it with quality pitches. Our pitching staff only gave up two hits on the day, but six walks and four errors really hurt us."

The win left the Mules with a 2-0 record.

The Mules are at Adna on Friday and at Winlock on Monday. They entertain Morton on Tuesday and Napavine April 30.