The Pirates baseball team defeated the visiting Life Christian Eagles 8-2 on Tuesday, April 26.

Ben Reoux threw four strong innings for Vashon, giving up one unearned run on four hits along with three strikeouts. Erik Powelson pitched the final three innings, allowing one earned run on just one hit and five strikeouts. The leading Pirate hitters were Ezra Lacina with two hits and two RBIs and Tyler Bernheisel, who also collected two hits. Julian Smith, Peter Johnson, Zack Drape, Dustin Corthell and Gus Dierks all had hits as well.  

The Pirates started their second string in the game, but because of a narrow 2-1 Vashon lead, coach Steve Hall put in the starters in the bottom of the fourth inning. The team quickly responded with six runs and took control of the game. 

“The second team guys did a good job on defense, but just couldn’t put together a rally to get a lead, and we had to go to the big boys,” Hall said.

Line score: Vashon 8 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors, Life Christian 2 runs, 5 hits, 4 errors.

The Pirates met the Eagles for the second time in a week when Vashon traveled to Tacoma last Friday. Joe Wald took the mound for the Pirates and pitched all seven innings for an 8-1 victory.  

Wald gave up just one earned run on six hits, struck out five and walked only two. Commenting on Wald’s performance, Hall said, “Joe just went right after them today, and we couldn’t be more proud of the job he did.”  

Leading the Pirate hitting attack were Smith, who hit a towering two-run home run in the second inning, and Tyler Bernheisel, who went two for two on the day. 

Line score:  Vashon 8 runs, 9 hits, 1 error, Life Christian 1 run, 6 hits, 1 error.

At game’s end, Hall took time to recognize how well Lacina, a freshman, did behind the plate in both games that week, giving all-league starter Peter Johnson a rest heading into what would be a grueling four-game week.  

With a record of 5-3 in league play and 6-5 overall, the Pirates went up against Orting on Tuesday. Beginning today, the team battles Seattle Christian, Chimacum and Cascade Christian on consecutive days. Playoffs on Wednesday, May 11, and Saturday, May 14, will determine what teams advance to state.

— Rita Allman does web and team support for Pirates baseball.