Reynolds’ hit the ground running and walked off the field after an RBI by Senior Mathew Valenzuela in a 6-5 victory against the Sunset Apollos this Saturday at Reynolds middle school. Sunset held strong in the sixth inning stopping Reynolds momentum by coming back from a 4 run deficit incurred by an eventful first inning for both teams.

Reynolds’ offense repeatedly demonstrated effective skill bagging 9-Hits, 5-RBI and 6-Runs. Hefty contributions from senior Caleb Jarvis   making some clean contact at the plate and senior Dallas Karsch knocking two doubles through Sunsets’ fingers.

Batting efforts were equally balanced to the action in the outfield. Raiders’ defense was on the ball plucking 13-Flyouts and 3-Grounders from Sunset, giving concrete support to the mound.

Reynolds’ starting pitcher sophomore Joseph Palmisano   had a fare day giving up 10-Hits and 2-Walks despite taking a hit in the lower leg at the top of the second inning. Relief Pitcher senior Tom Albers stepped in halfway through the top of the sixth inning letting only 3-Hits and 2-Walks go for the rest of the game.

Sunset offense held their own taking 13-Hits and 5-RBI, two of these RBI made by Sunset senior Cam Russ. Apollos starting Pitcher Jake Columbo handled well giving up a tidy 7-Hits, 3-Walks and 2-Strikeouts.

This win was critical for Reynolds to break a five game losing streak and enter the conference playoffs with a little momentum as their third place ranking has given them an automatic spot.

Unfortunately Sunset could have used some momentum of their own as they approach their play-in series. The Apollos have only one scheduled match left against Grant High School this Tuesday to see how they will fare in the standings.

The Raiders as well have only one scheduled game in the normal season this Tuesday against the Tigard Tigers who is currently ranked in sixteenth place in their conference.

-Nick Jones NWPREPS.NET

-Photos by Jesse James