Hustlers win three of five games last week

Pitcher Sawyer Dray (six strikeouts, four walks) tossed a no-hitter to help lead the Hustlers to the easy win in the first match-up. The Hustlers had 18 hits and they were led offensively by Sawyer Dray (4-for-4, four RBI), Thatcher Dray (1-for-3, two RBI), and Evan Ortega (3-for-5, two RBI).

In Game 2, pitcher Hudson Case (four strikeouts, two walks) threw a two-hitter to help the Hustlers get the sweep. The Hustlers had six hits and they were led offensively by Chase Peterson (2-for-3, RBI), Dom Linebarger (1-for-3, RBI), and Thatcher Dray (1-for-2, RBI).

The Hustlers, guided by Coach Pat Clark, then faced two teams with much more experience in a July 3 doubleheader in La Grande. The Hustlers lost 8-1 to La Grande and 6-1 to Baker.

“Even though we lost both games, I felt like we actually didn’t really play too bad,” said Clark. “We were just a little overmatched because both those teams had players who were a little older with lots of sophomores and juniors and they had some real solid pitching. We didn’t play too badly, but we just couldn’t hit very well. It was fun going to La Grande and it was a good road trip for everyone, and we enjoyed playing those two teams.”

The Hustlers capped the week with a Gorge rivalry July 5 home match-up versus the Columbia River Bandits from White Salmon, and they won a high-scoring contest 17-10.

“I think we’re making a lot of good improvements and I’ve seen us continue to get better the last few weeks, especially with the younger group of kids,” said Clark.

The coach added that it was nice to have another Gorge team in the scheduling mix, as the Bandits just started their summer schedule in July.

“I think [Coach] William [Gross] has a good vision and a good plan for his team and it’s good to see them have a summer league team again,” said Clark. “They played a good solid game and they're kind of like us with lots of young kids and a couple of older kids and it was a fun game with them [Bandits].” (See related story.)

The Hustlers have nine games remaining on their schedule, which concludes July 17. The Hustlers faced Sherwood Tuesday at home, and they play their next game Wednesday at 4 p.m. against Pendleton. The Hustlers have a grueling schedule with games on seven consecutive days, including a 7 p.m. contest Thursday at Tigard and 5 p.m. home game Friday versus Aloha. On Saturday, they’ll meet Roosevelt in a 1 p.m. home contest, followed by a 1 p.m. contest Sunday at Pasco, Wash.