Cheney moves up two spots in GNL rankings
Pitcher Connor Pratt threw a three-hitter in game one of Cheney's doubleheader against Deer Park, April 25.
The Cheney High School baseball team extended their winning streak to five games after going 3-0 in Great Northern League games this past week.
The Blackhawks picked up a 15-3 win over Clarkston, April 22, in a game where the team displayed their finest offense all season.
After the Bantams walked two Cheney batters, Sawyer Sims hit a 3-run homer. With his next at bat, he had a 2RBI double.
"Sawyer hit that ball hard that first time," head coach Mike Cagle said. "There was no question that it was going to leave the field."
The Blackhawks would lead 9-0 in the first until the Bantams got on the scoreboard with one run in the first. Although Clarkston picked up two more runs in the second, the Blackhawks' five-run fourth and one-run fifth ended the game due to the mercy rule.
Following their victory over the Bantams, Cheney won both games in their April 25 home doubleheader against Deer Park.
In game one, the Blackhawks shutout the Stags, 3-0.
Cheney once again found themselves ahead in the first after an RBI triple from Sims, followed by an RBI single from Josh Arthur. Centerfielder RC Reed prevented the Stags from getting on the board after he dove to catch a fly ball.
Cheney scored another run in the fifth after a Deer Park error allowed Dominic Bonilla to slide into home.
On the mound, pitcher Connor Pratt shined on the mound, pitching a three-hitter.
"Connor was throwing strike after strike," Cagle said. "Once he starts throwing like that, he's hard to hit. He had trouble finding his rhythm at the beginning of the season, so it's rewarding to see him get this win."
The second game was closer as Cheney defeated Deer Park, 4-3, in extra innings.
The Blackhawks took a 1-0 lead in the second, after back-to-back doubles from Reed and Chance Gleave. After several innings of good defense from both sides, Deer Park scored three runs in the 10th with back-to-back doubles.
Just as the Stags were about to clinch the win, Gleave had an RBI single to bring in the tying run. With bases loaded, the Deer Park pitcher walked Riley Jones, which forced in the winning run for Cheney.
The Blackhawks (8-6 GNL, 8-6) are currently tied for third with Colville (8-6, 8-6) in the GNL standings, but that could change after their April 29 game against No. 1 ranked East Valley (9-3 GNL, 10-4).
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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