Eagles spend spring break at Crater tourney

“Lots to improve on overall, as it was a disappointing trip given our results. We certainly expected better,” Coach Max Reitz said.

The coach was quick to point out some positives, covering different parts of the game.

“Tyson Harjo is doing an excellent job for us with his at bats and versatility in the field,” the coach said. “Maverick Hockett had a stellar six-inning start for us in game two, which was great to see from him [the] first time out on the mound this year.

“Kingston McAdam is swinging the bat well.”

Hockett kept the Eagles within striking distance in the 6-3 loss to Crater with his performance on the mound. He allowed three hits through six innings before tiring in the seventh. Crater came from behind in the final frame, scoring five times in the top of the inning to pull out the win.

Hood River was led offensively by McAdam’s three hits. Davin Snyder, Bodie Stuben, and Trevor Jacobs added two hits apiece.

Stuben earned the pitching win against North Eugene in HRV’s tourney opener. Hood River had 11 hits against the Highlanders (the same number versus Crater). Addison Postlewait, Stuben, and Harjo each had two hits.

The Eagles were competitive in each outing, although Eagle Point sophomore pitcher Collin Stockton limited HRV to four hits over six innings. South Medford broke open its game against Hood River with an eight-run second inning. Snyder and Harjo had two hits and Landen Pratt knocked in two runs against the Panthers.

HRV continues its non-league schedule this week with games at home against The Dalles, April 1; visiting Pendleton on April 2; and versus Portland’s Lincoln on April 4. The Eagles have two scheduled games the following week — April 8 at Corvallis and April 10 versus Portland’s Ida B. Wells. Hood River begins its 16-game Northwest Oregon Conference slate April 15 against visiting Parkrose.

Something will have to give when HRV hosts The Dalles (2-3) and Pendleton (2-4). Like HRV, those teams will be hungry for wins, as they also exited spring break on three-game losing skids.