River Bandits finish just below .500 after two wins

“As I tell our players, summer ball is a time for gaining experience playing baseball and playing together as a team. If we want to compete amongst the best teams in our state, like our players have said, we must extend our spring season into the summer, which we have successfully done the last two years,” Gross said. “I am always proud of our players during the summer, as they are sacrificing part of their summer to be together and improve our team and culture. That’s really important to me.”

The two wins came at a tournament at Fort Vancouver High School by 12-2 and 14-6 scores, and a 17-7 loss.

In game one, pitcher Deegan Bearden threw a five-inning complete game, allowing one earned run while striking out five. Offensive highlights came from Kellen Olson (2-for-3, two RBI) and Jayden Carlock (1-for-1 with two walks and two runs scored).

In game two, Ryder Graves got the start on the mound and the win. He went five innings, allowing two hits and striking out four. Trenton Boydston finished the game on the mound, pitching two innings and giving up no earned runs. Offensive highlights were by Ryder Graves (3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored) and Wyatt Stelma (5-for-5 with six RBI and three runs scored).

“I am super proud and excited for what’s next for this group,” Gross said. “We are a very young group moving forward and one that is full of players who really enjoy playing baseball.”