The Get Back - By Nate McClelland
The Richland Bombers and the Sumner Spartans start the season in a classic at Ben Jacobs Field. Despite the heartbreak ending last season, the Bombers prevailed by knocking off the Spartans. I talked to senior Alec Ammerman after the game “ It was a great feeling getting the chance to start against the team who knocked us out of regionals last year. Our team was hungry for revenge, and we came out hot in our first weekend.”
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| Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_ ) |
Sumner Spartans got on the board first in the first inning after Carl grounded out, scoring one run. Despite the setback, Bombers shortstop Cater Upmeyer didn't disappoint. He collected three hits in four at-bats as Richland Varsity Bombers defeated Sumner Varsity Spartans 8-3 on Saturday at Richland High School. Upmeyer doubled in the second inning, singled in the first, and singled in the sixth inning.
Richland scored in the bottom of the first after Chris Daniels singled, scoring one run, and John Simons doubled, scoring two, making it 3-1. They kept going as they extended their lead with three runs in the bottom of the second thanks to RBI doubles by Corbin and Upmeyer.
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| Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_ ) |
Alec Ammerman stepped on the bump first for the Bombers. They allowed three hits and two runs over three innings, striking out three and walking three. Krueger began the game for the Spartans. The starting pitcher surrendered six hits and six runs over three innings, striking out four and walking three. Sophomore Braylon Edwards stepped in for the Cloud, allowing two hits and one run over three innings, striking out three and walking one. Bradley Beck came to seal the deal for Richland by allowing zero hits, striking out one, and walking one. Spoiling the Spartans record as they would go on to lose two straight.
Carl and Krueger were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, as they each drove in one run for the Purple and Yellow. Meier, Cypher, Wicklander, Krueger, and Plyer each collected a hit for Sumner. The Spartans turned one double play in the game. Perfection as an infield is a goal to strive for, as Sumner accomplished, such as not committing a single error. Meier was perfect, fielding eight for eight.
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| Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_ ) |
The Green and Gold didn’t stay quiet as Simons, Corbin, and Upmeyer each drove in two runs for the cloud. Richland turned one double play as well. I was able to talk to starting pitcher Alec Ammerman, who said this about what to look for in the Bombers: “As a team, we all have the goal of making it as far as possible, but we know we have to take it one day at a time. Focus on the little things and play as a team.”
Sitting next to witness Bryan Weston from Hanford High School, I was fascinated to hear him talk about how the team looked at the start of the season. He said, “Being from a different school, scouting opponents is key. Once the bats are hot, good luck stopping the Cloud from erupting.” The Bombers will host next weekend at Ben Jacobs Field. Another non-conference doubleheader. Starting the season off with a win is a stepping stone to a phenomenal season. The Bombers will plan to be back at Gesa Stadium and chase a state title.
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| Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_ ) |
