Everett, WA – The Trojans took on Big Bend CC, in a three game series over the weekend in what would be the final preparations before North region play begins next weekend. Game 1 of the series against the Vikings took place on Saturday night and it would turn out to be a game for the Trojans to forget as four errors (the most all season in a game) plagued the team, en-route to a 4-1 defeat. Despite the loss, there were some solid individual performances. Though starting pitcher Kenji Miller gave up an earned run, he went six full innings, striking out 8 batters, walked two, and gave up six hits. Kainoa Holt came in to close the game and pitched two complete innings, giving up just one hit and striking out five. The offense was silent for most of the game, but Ben Steck had a nice 3-4 day and Ryan Contreras went 1-3 with a walk and a stolen base.
Sunday would bring a new day and a new team as Everett responded in game 2 with an explosion of offense, defeating Big Bend 13-3 and ending the game in the 7th inning due to the ten run rule. Several Trojans had multiple hits including Xavier Ulrich (2-5), Payton Smith (2-2) with a double and scored 3 runs, Jonathan Kumai (3-4) with a double and an RBI, and Konnor Palmeira 2-2 with an RBI. Braeden Terry went 1-4 but had a 3 run double, and also scored a run himself. Jordan Justice had a double as well that drove in 2 runs.
In total the Trojans combined for 12 hits, five of them doubles, and drew 5 walks. Julian Taudin-Chabot had the start on the mound and went 5 innings, giving up 5 hits and three runs, while striking out 4. Joe McBride finished the game pitching two full innings and giving up just 1 hit and no runs.
The final game of the series looked like the Trojans were going to pick up right where they left off putting up two runs in the bottom of the first inning after back to back doubles by Jordan Justice and Xavier Ulrich drove in two runs. But starting pitcher Zakaia Michaels for Big Bend settled down and held Everett scoreless through the next seven innings. Luckily the Trojan pitching staff was on point, in a bullpen game that saw five pitchers. Altogether the staff held Big Bend to just six hits, walked two and struck out seven batters. Rueben Gut was credited with the win, but the top performance was probably Elias Holbert who pitched 2.2 innings, gave up no hits and struck out three batters.
The Trojans finished a tough non-conference schedule with a 13-9 record and a run differential of +21. Overall the pitching staff looked strong with a 2.59 ERA and over powering batters with 185 total strikeouts. While the offensive struggled to generate runs at times, the team did show some power hitting 8 home runs (ranked 4th in the NWAC) and 30 doubles (ranked 7th). Another high point was the defense, and their .972 fielding percentage ranks best in the NWAC.
Everett will open up north region play next weekend against rivals Edmonds College. EvCC will play host first with a doubleheader on Saturday at Everett Memorial Stadium, followed by a doubleheader on Sunday in Lynnwood. The Tritons are 14-8 on the season and have looked really good against strong opponents. T-Trophy points are on the line as well in this classic rivalry showdown. Game times on both days are set for 1pm and 4pm.