The Soldotna Stars and Chicago Cub’s Ernie Banks share the love of playing two; SoHi winning twice in the opening-round of the Southcentral Conference Baseball Tournament on Thursday recording victories over Redington and Kodiak.
Southcentral Conference Baseball: First-Day Results
SoHi 15 – Redington 0
The top-seed Soldotna Stars overpowered #8 seed Redington 15-0 in the opening round of the Southcentral Conference baseball tournament on Thursday.
SoHi’s Dylan Davidhizer threw a five-inning, no-hitter recording eight strikeouts. A seven-run, fourth inning secured the victory.
With the victory, SoHi advanced to a winner’s bracket contest on Thursday afternoon against Kodiak.
SoHi 11 – Kodiak 1
The Stars offense continued to roll in SoHi’s second game of the day with the Stars downing Kodiak 11-1 in six innings. A five-run, sixth inning secured the win with SoHi starting pitcher Riley Johnson allowing one run on two hits in six innings on the mound. Atticus Gibson lead the offense with a 3 for 3 day; Andrew Pieh added a pair of hits.
SoHi advances to the Southcentral Conference championship game against Palmer on Friday at 7 p.m. at Redington High School. A victory on Friday guarantees an automatic berth to the ASAA Division II State Baseball Championships; a Friday loss and the Stars continue in the double-back rounds (see bracket).
Kenai 10 – Homer 0
The Kardinals pitching staff combined for a two-hitter in a 10-0 victory over Homer in Kenai’s opening game at the Southcentral Conference baseball tournament. Braden Smith allowed no runs and no hits in 5 1/3 innings; Charlie Chamberlain closed the the sixth inning allowing two hits.
Palmer 3 – Kenai 0
In the winner’s bracket game on Thursday, Kenai fell to Palmer 3-0, unable to mount a sustained, offensive attack. Kenai’s Johnny Brinner threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings for Kenai.
Kenai moves to a 10 a.m. game on Friday against Grace Christian at Redington. The Kardinals can double-back into the second-place game and earn an automatic berth to the Division II state baseball tournament.
Friday’s Game Schedule
10 a.m. Kenai vs Grace @ Redington
10 a.m. Redington vs Houston @ Houston
3 p.m. Elimination Game TBA @ Redington
3 p.m. Elimination Game TBA @ Houston
7 p.m. Championship Game SoHi vs Palmer @ Redington
