Comets and Mules prepare for baseball state qualifiers

Just like that, the regular season for 1B baseball has come to a close. While it might feel like the spring season has flown by, the biggest games are still to come, and both Naselle and Wahkiakum's baseball programs have a swing at qualifying for the state championships this month. While Naselle has enjoyed resurgent form after a slow start, Wahkiakum's season has been something of the inverse. After starting hot, the Mules have ended the regular season on a cold spell.

The following provides a peek into each team's recent results and who they'll need to face to punch their ticket to the big dance this week.

Wahkiakum needs a win

After winning nine of their first 11 games this season, Wahkiakum limped to the end of the schedule, losing four straight. The Mules took on some tough competition in those matchups, as two of the losses came against Ilwaco, and one against Naselle.

One of the top 2B teams in the state and sporting a 16-2 record, Ilwaco dispatched the Mules in back-to-back games on May 2, beating Wahkiakum 13-0 and 10-5. The second contest gave the Mules much more to be optimistic about, as they came out kicking to start the second matchup after being shut out in the first.

Wahkiakum jumped out to a 4-2 lead over the Fishermen, but couldn't quite keep up the pressure throughout the full seven innings. The bats were more active in the matchup, and Cooper Carlson had a good day at the plate and on the basepaths. He registered two hits in four at-bats (including a double) while driving in a run and scoring one himself. He also proved to be a pesky base-runner, stealing two bags. Hank Wilson registered the most RBI for the squad, knocking in two runs with his single.

Ilwaco proved to be a potent offensive team, as they knocked two out of the park and recorded nine hits en route to their 10 runs. Defense also proved costly for the Mules, as the Fishermen scored three runs off the back of Wahkiakum's seven errors.

The final loss of the four-game skid came against rival Naselle, who have proven a thorn in the Mules' hooves all season. Four of Wahkiakum's six losses this year have come at the hands of the Comets. The final regular season matchup between the two was an 11-1 loss for Wahkiakum, as they couldn't build offensive momentum. The Mules scored their one run in the second inning after a scoreless stalemate in the first, but the lead would be short-lived, as the Comets scored four in the bottom of the second. Hank Wilson knocked in the run with a hit during his only at-bat. The other hit came from the bat of Rusty Morrison, who has put together an impressive season.

Despite the tough losses to end the year, Wahkiakum has put together a good season overall. They ended the year 9-6, including a 5-2 league record. In WIAA's 1B rankings, Wahkiakum sits in 12th. Standing in the way of their state chances was a home showdown, which took place against Ocosta on Wednesday, May 14.

Prior to Wednesday's game, the Mules had gotten the better of the Wildcats every time they've played this year. Wahkiakum has beaten Ocosta in each of their three matchups this season, including an 8-0 win March 22, a 5-4 win on April 18, and a 7-5 win on April 28. The results of Wednesday's game were not available at the time of press, but a recap will be available in next week's edition of The Eagle.

Comets seeking state

After starting the season 1-3, Randy Lindstrom's Comets have found their footing, ending the season on a phenomenal 10-1 run. The lone loss came at the hands of Ilwaco on May 1. Besides that blip, Naselle has shown the quality that has made them a perennial contender over the past few years.

The Comets ended the regular season with an 11-3 record and as the #4 team in WIAA's 1B rankings. They enter the district tournament after two strong wins, one against 2B Toutle Lake which they beat 6-4 on May 5, and the aforementioned 11-1 performance over Wahkiakum on May 8. While it was a day to forget for the Mules, Naselle had the bats snapping, and they racked up 12 hits and 11 runs in just four innings. The Comets were shelling the outfield, and every player who registered an at-bat recorded a hit.

Jacob Lindstron, Jack Strange, and Trajen Ford led the charge for the Comets, registering two hits apiece. Ford and Lindstrom also showed off their speed and power, each registering a double. Leith Chadwick and Logan Quashnick knocked home the most runs for Naselle, as they had two RBI each. Ford put together a fantastic game, as he was potent at the plate and proved tricky to tack down on the mound. In five innings of pitching, Ford struck out four batters and allowed just two hits. He kept it in the strike zone, not walking a single Mule.

The results of Naselle's matchup in the district semifinal game to go to state on May 14 were not available at the time of press, as they played the winner of a play-in match between Mary M. Knight and Oakville.

Whether they play the Owls or the Acorns, Naselle should feel confident, having beaten Oakville in each of their three games this year, and putting together a cumulative difference of 29-4 in those matchups. As for the Owls, the two teams have not faced off this season, but Mary M. Knight enters the postseason as the #33 team in WIAA's 1B rankings.

The Comets will be hoping to fly into the district final and, in so doing, start their path to whatever heights they can reach in the state tournament.