By Oly Archibald

FIFE — In yesterday’s loser-out District baseball game at Fife, between the underdog #13 seed 11-11 Sequim Wolves and the favorite #5 seed 14-8 Fife Trojans, no one outside the Wolves dugout gave them any chance of pulling off a shock upset against the Trojans, who boasted several next-level talent players. However, the Wolves defied expectations with a stunning 7-3 victory over the Trojans on their home field.

Junior pitcher Ethan Staples played a pivotal role in the Wolves’ triumph, showcasing his mastery on the mound to stymie the Trojan batters after an early setback. Despite conceding two runs and three hits in the first inning, Staples rebounded impressively, allowing just one more hit and one additional run while striking out seven batters over the next five innings.

Wolves’ Skipper Dave Ditlefsen and centerfeilder Zeke Schmadeke on the KONP post game after Sequim shocked Fife 7-3.

On the offensive side, the Wolves capitalized on timely hitting and a stroke of luck with infield hits. Senior 3rd baseman Ayden Holland’s willingness to serve as a target for opposing pitchers paid dividends, as he was hit by a pitch three times, each resulting in a crucial run. Holland, a seasoned leader, drew on his experience from the football field, where he endured heavy hits from opposing linemen for three years.

The Wolves took an early 3-0 lead in the 1st inning, fueled by key singles from Hunter Tennell and Lincoln Bear, along with Holland and Devyn Dearinger being hit by pitches. They extended their lead to 6-3 in the top of the 5th inning, highlighted by Staples’ clutch single that drove in runs from Tennell, Holland, and Brayden White.

Relief pitcher Brayden White sealed the victory in the bottom of the 7th inning, retiring all three batters he faced. The Wolves’ defense was stellar, with standout plays from centerfielder Zeke Schmadeke, shortstop Devyn Dearinger, and Holland at 3rd base.

With the win, the Wolves advance to face Kingston in a winner-to-State, loser-out game at Foss High School on Saturday. The Wolves previously defeated Kingston twice in league play.

Congratulations are also in order for former Roughrider Teagen Clark, who was named to the NWAC 1st team Northern Division as a pitcher for Skagit Valley College.

Former Roughrider Teagen Clark was named NWAC 1st team Northern Division as a pitcher for Skagit Valley College

—

Autumn Wilson-Rowland and Claire Osterberg of the Port Angeles golf team have qualified for state