The Vashon Pirate baseball team visited the defending state champions, the Chimacum Cowboys, on Friday and came away with a 13-1 loss.

The Cowboys put the game away early, with five runs in the first and eight more in the second.

Erik Powelson started on the mound for the Pirates, but lasted only two innings. Josh Myer pitched the final two frames.

Vashon hitters managed only one hit in two innings against highly regarded Chimacum hurler Landon Cray, who also struck out five batters and had no walks.  Cray is a three-time MVP senior for the Cowboys, who have seven of nine starters from last year’s championship team.

The Pirates fared somewhat better against Chimacum’s second pitcher, picking up three hits over three innings. The four Vashon hits, all singles, went to Zack Drape, Ezra Lacina, Kelly Sullivan and Myer. The Pirate defense contributed to the lopsided loss with five fielding errors.

The final line score:  Chimacum 13 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors, Vashon 1 run, 4 hits, 5 errors.

Coach Steve Hall said it will be a growing season for the Pirates, with seven out of their nine starters new this year. In addition, he said, losing ace Tyler Bernheisel left a big hole on the mound. Hall did have praise for one newcomer.

“Freshman Josh Myer has looked good in both outings and did an outstanding job against Chimacum, not giving up a hit in his two innings,” he said.

The team saw four weeks of cage and gym practice and just a few days on the field before playing Chimacum.

“Facing the state champions definitely lets you know what you have to get better at because they exploit every mistake you make,” Hall said.

Despite the scores so far, Hall expects the teem to improve weekly.

“It really just depends on how hard they are willing to work, because with the rain-out schedule it will be a test of not only physical ability and who’s hot at the end, but who is the toughest team mentally on the field,” he said.

The Pirates played at home against Orting on Tuesday after press deadline. They will play Seattle Christian tomorrow, and their next home game is scheduled for April 19 against Charles Wright.

—Rita Allman does web and team support for the Pirates. See vhsbaseball.blogspot.com