The Vashon High School varsity baseball team knew they would have their hands full facing Cascade Christian in the first two games of their 2024 season.
Cascade Christian had just defeated last year’s 1A state champions Klahowya in an extra innings nail-biter for their season opener.
The Pirates took the field against Cascade Christian on Thursday, Mar. 14, on a sunny day in Puyallup, and did not show signs of early season nerves defensively. Sharp defensive plays included a crash play from third by Chase Bradrick, and catcher Jack Harvey throwing out a runner at second base. Tight defense coupled with a solid opening day start on the mound from Charlie Walker, who spun a complete game — a seven-strikeout shutout that kept the Cougars off the bases.
The Pirate offense had to get gritty for their runs though: with Bradrick taking home in the second inning on an overthrow, and two stolen bases from Finn Magonegil. Singles by Magonegil, Harvey, and Sebastian Gallez, and a double by Finn Hawkins provided three runs for the Pirates, but the offense was not yet up to its potential.
Head Coach Simon Perrin said, “We’ve practiced hard, that game was a good baseline for us, but we need to get the bats awake and capitalize on the opportunities.”
Vashon sealed the day on a game-ending double play — Jude Dardeau at second base, to Hawkins at shortstop, to Brent Calhoun. Vashon won 3-0.
The following day the Pirates met Cascade Christian at Vashon’s Jim Martin Field and a similar game unfolded for the home crowd.
There was tight defense by the Pirates, and another outstanding pitching performance this time from Hawkins who went a complete game with six strikeouts. Yet again, the Vashon bats supplied just enough for the win. Singles by Magonegil, Harvey, Hawkins, Bradrick, and Josh Healey, and two more stolen bases by Magonegil put three on the scoreboard, but there were many left on base.
Coach Perrin said, “ It was a stressful week. We got the two wins in tight games due to more grit and better small ball and pitching, but the coaching staff and the boys feel like we have much more potential in this team. The league is changing and that lights a fire under us. We are not content with just a [win] — seniors did a great job, freshmen had their wake-up games, but we can be one of — if not the best — team in the league. We just have to set that high standard and reach for it.”
Vashon took a 3-1 win to start 2-0 for the season.
Next up for Varsity Baseball:
March 21 vs. Bellevue Christian, on Vashon at 4 p.m.
March 22 vs. Bellevue Christian at Marymoor Park at 6 p.m.
March 25 vs. Charles Wright Academy (CWA) at CWA at 4 p.m.
March 27 vs. East Jefferson on Vashon at 4 p.m.
