by MICHAEL DASHIELL
Sequim Gazette
Timely hitting and strong pitching from an experienced pitching staff has Sequim battling for the Olympic League’s top spot heading into spring break.
The Wolves (4-1 in league, 5-3 overall) were slated to play Kingston on April 2 and at North Mason on April 3 — results were not available at press time.
Sequim scored five runs in the first three innings while pitchers Nick Johnston and Jake Hudson didn’t give up an earned run in a 6-2 win at home against Port Townsend on March 29.
Tyler Campbell fueled the offense with a two-run home run off Redskin starter Kyle Kelly. Johnston doubled and drove in two while Karsten Wake was 2-for-3 with an RBI in the win.
“I liked our approach and our focus today,” Sequim coach Dave Ditlefsen said. “We knew we’d face their best pitcher. Our league, top to bottom, is competitive every day.”
Kelly gave up four earned runs on six hits and four walks.
In contrast, Johnston and Hudson were sharp, not walking a single Port Townsend batter. Johnston struck out nine batters and gave up five hits in five innings. Hudson gave up three hits and two unearned runs.
“(Nick) is throwing real well,” Ditlefsen said. “He’s a workhorse (and) plays year-round baseball. He has three pitches he throws for strikes and changes speeds well.”
The game was scheduled to be played in Port Townsend but was moved to Sequim because of rain.
Two days earlier, it was Olympic’s Trojans getting the better of the pitching match-up in a 5-0 decision in Sequim.
Rob Elliott shut Sequim down when he needed to, spreading five hits and five walks over six-plus innings. Shane Matheney came in for the save in the seventh.
Kyler Johnston took the loss for Sequim, giving up four earned runs on six hits in three innings.
Campbell paced the Sequim offense, going 2-for-3 with a triple and a walk.
“Tough day at the plate,” Ditlefsen said. “We left some baserunners out there.”
Matheny led the Trojans at the plate with three hits.
Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.
