On the ball: Mission Valley Mariners continue to dominate in tournaments
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Things continue to go well for the Mission Valley Mariners baseball team as the A team went undefeated this past week. With the recent first place victory at the Maybelle Arthur Tournament behind them, the team continued to roll over their opponents in tournament play. This past weekend the team headed to Libby to play in the four-day Big Bucks Tournament.
On Thursday they topped the Tri County Cardinals 14-2, before defeating the Tacoma Wash., Rainiers 7-4 later that day.
With the wins, the Mariners advanced to play the Strathmore Reds, who they edged 13-10 in a tightly contested game.
After a clean sweep of their first three opponents, the Mariners advanced to the championship game against the Lewiston, Idaho Cubs on Sunday.
Both teams started the game hot offensively, racking up three runs a piece during the first inning. The Mariners struggled at bat, going scoreless until the top of the fifth inning.
During the Mariners scoring drought, the Cubs scored an additional two runs to lead 5-3 heading into the top of the fifth.
But the Mariners battled back, finishing the game scoring two runs in the fifth and sixth innings, followed by two runs in the seventh to edge the Cubs 7-6.
For the Mariners, Robbie Gauthier, Jacob Young, and Justin Evertz had two hits each in the win. Jack Humphreys finished the game hitting 1-4, while teammate Austin VonTom added a hit.
For the Cubs, Jarrod Hassell went 2 for 4 at the plate, while Tyler Charlo and Daniel Hazernol both added a hit.
Mariner Josh Rustad pitched the entire game, allowing only five hits to pick up the win on the mound.
Earlier in the week the Mariners defeated the Bitterroot Bucs by the 10-run rule.
Justin Evertz, Chris Clary and Robbie Gauthier all smacked home runs during the game.
Mariners pitcher Austin VonTom picked up the win on the mound after he struck out four and walked four.
The Mariners began with a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Both teams went scoreless through the second inning, before the Mariners added three more runs to their lead.
The Bucs rallied in the top of the fourth to cut the deficit to one.
The score remained 4-3 until the Mariners took control in the bottom of the fifth, driving in 11 runs. Both teams remained scoreless throughout the remainder of the game, with the Mariners winning big 15-3.
For the Bucs, Billy Hanna led his team at bat, hitting two for three, adding a double and an RBI in the loss.
On Wednesday, the Mariners hosted the Missoula Mavericks at Polson, where their solid offense earned them a 9-2 win. Mariners pitcher Josh Rustad picked up his fourth win on the mound this season as Rustad and relief pitcher Bradley Pichler combined to allow eight hits. With the win, the team advanced to 18-13 overall, and 4-0 in their league.
Mariner Chris Clary led his team at the plate, hitting 3 for 3, while Evertz finished the game hitting 3 for 5.
For the Mavericks, Jesson Preston smacked a home run, and hit 2 for 4.
The Mavericks continue their season this week as they host the Mission Valley Firecracker Tournament in Polson June 30 through July 3.
