Looks Like Gsl Baseball Is Turning Out To Be A Big Hit

In what was supposed to be a pitchers league, Greater Spokane League baseball has turned into a hitter’s paradise.

In the first 20 games of the GSL season, teams are averaging 8 runs per game apiece. During one day’s games, seven of the eight teams each scored more than 10 runs.

To be sure, there have been several strong pitching efforts but the hitters have more often than not had their say.

“People are clubbing the ball and I’m not sure why,” said Mead coach Dave Vaughn. “Perhaps the early season has something to do with it. I also think it’s the aluminum bats nowadays. You can jam a kid and he can still hit a double down the line.”

Mead is a case in point. Winners of five of their first six games, including Tuesday, 12-1 over Central Valley, the Panthers amassed 82 hits and scored in double figures four times.

A wicked line drive off a metal bat also sent pitcher Evan Thomas to the hospital when he was hit in the head.

Offensively, first two hitters Thomas and Adam Strate, combined for 25 hits. They, as well as Rob Elmer, hit safely in all six games.

Grant Reeves had a 13 hits in five games, including four home runs and 19 RBIs in his last three.

When Vaughn put junior Joe Chimienti into the starting lineup the last three games, Mead’s number eight hitter responded with nine hits in 13 at-bats and drove in nine runs.

“I started him at DH for a kid who was struggling,” said Vaughn. “That’s how you keep a job.”

Seven of the league’s nine teams already have three losses, putting the league co-leading Panthers in enviable shape.

Still, Vaughn sees several playoff challenges from several teams, including Shadle Park and North Central.

“And I’m always worried about Rogers,” he said.

The Pirates have had pitching gems by Taylor West and Shawn Carlson and Daryn Steeneck has had three- and four-hit games.

Of NC’s four losses, three have been decided by a run. Ryan Corigliano had two three-hit games and 10 overall.

Two of Shadle’s losses have come against the league’s best pitchers.

No rest for pair in softball return

When the GSL softball season resumed following a week’s hiatus, Rogers and Mead High softball teams were quickly jolted back to reality.

The Pirates, part of a three-way knot in second place, lost 2-1 to league leader University on Tuesday.

On Thursday, they entertain Mead which is fighting to remain in the title picture. Rogers also travels to Central Valley next Tuesday.

The 4-2 Panthers, who were fifth beginning the week, returned to action by beating the league’s second-place team, CV, 6-0 on Shanelle Test’s nine strikeout one-hitter.

Thanks in part to freshman pitcher Jamie Merrill, the Pirates have compiled a 3-2 record.

Merrill has pitched four-hit and no-hit victories. The Pirates have averaged 10 hits a game since their 1-0 loss to Shadle Park, now second with a 3-1 record.

Three players have had three-hit games, including Angie Vulcano, who has hit safely in four games and has eight hits total.

Highlander pitcher Rachelle Stockman has pitched two shutouts and helped them contend as well.

The team plays Gonzaga Prep on Friday and is at University next Tuesday to test the viability of its playoff bid.

, DataTimes