By Oly Archibald

PORT ANGELES — In a thrilling high school baseball game at Volunteer Field, which had everything one could desire, and some things one could do without, the Port Angeles Roughriders staged a remarkable comeback to secure a hard-fought victory over the 6th ranked 3A team in the state, the Bainbridge Spartans, with a score of 5-4.

The first three innings of the game were dominated by the Spartans. They took an early 2-0 lead in the 1st inning, and Spartan pitcher Duncan Bos struck out six of the first nine batters he faced.

Senior starting pitcher Colton Romero deserves an A+ for his courageous and resilient performance. Despite struggling in the first inning, Romero limited the damage to just two runs. He then retired the next nine batters from the 2nd through the 4th inning, allowing only one more run while walking three. In the 4th inning, with two outs, Romero was hit by a line drive shot off his arm, which initially seemed like a serious injury. However, displaying the resilience akin to Roosevelt leading his Roughriders up San Juan Hill, Romero stayed in the game and secured the last out of the inning, providing an inspirational boost to his team.

The Roughriders got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the 4th when Colton Romero walked, and with two outs, Jordan Shumway, known as Mr. Clutch, hit a line shot to left field, scoring Romero and making the score 3-1. Then, in the bottom of the 5th, Luke Flodstrom walked, Tate Alton walked, and Nathan Basden delivered a crucial hit. Alex Angevine also walked, and Colton Romero brought in the 4th run of the inning with a ground out to the shortstop, giving the Roughriders a 5-3 lead they would not relinquish.

Junior Pitcher Rylin Politika came in and performed admirably, pitching the final three innings, giving up just two hits and one run to secure the save.

Roughrider Pitcher Rylin Politika is all smiles on the KONP newsradio post game show after beating 6th ranked Bainbridge 5-4

The game concluded with two outs when Spartan Catcher J.T. Hardy hit a hard shot to Roughrider 1st baseman Kaleb Mullen, who caught the ball and stepped on the bag for the 3rd out. However, there was controversy as Hardy and Spartan Manager Geoff Brown argued to the plate umpire that it was a foul ball, as did the fans wearing blue and gold. KONP color commentator Joe Gladfelter also believed it was a foul ball, while KONP play-by-play announcer Oly Archibald was uncertain. Some Roughrider fans debated whether it was a fair ball. In fairness to the umpire crew, it might have been one of those calls requiring six cameras on replay to determine.

The Roughriders clearly earned the win with their outstanding play. Defensively, Isaiah Gooding, Jordan Shumway, Nathan Basden, Tate Alton, and Alex Angevine made exceptional plays, giving the Roughriders a chance to win. The Roughriders will travel to Bainbridge today, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:15 PM.

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In other sports news, the Sequim Wolves secured their 5th straight win by defeating Bremerton 9-1 in baseball.

Port Angeles tennis team defeated Kingston 7-0, with Waverly Mead winning 6-1 6-0, Sarah Hancock and Abby Robinson securing a victory of 2-6 6-1 7-6, Cayleigh Alward and Abby Riffle winning 6-0 6-0, and Katie Sperr-Crane and Jule Getzin winning 6-1 6-1. Today, the Roughriders will travel to North Kitsap for tennis.

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In soccer, Port Angeles will play at Olympic, while Sequim will compete at North Kitsap. The Sequim Wolves have won four games in a row.

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In fast-pitch softball, Bremerton will play at Sequim, and Port Angeles will host North Mason, with both games starting at 4:15 PM.

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The Annual Duke Streeter Golf Invitational is scheduled for today at the Peninsula Golf Course, with 50 high school players from the Olympic league participating. There will be a BBQ, and tee time is at noon.

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In a significant announcement from the Peninsula Pirate Athletic Department yesterday, two-time state champion Ryana Moss of Neah Bay has signed to play for the Peninsula Pirates. A full story on Ryana will be featured later this week.

All State Neah Bay Guard Ryana Moss is a Peninsula Pirate. Moss help lead the Red Devils to two straight State Championships