Cardinal H.S. baseball season ends postseason

WAITSBURG — Waitsburg High School’s baseball season ended on Tuesday, May 6, in Sunnyside, Washington.

The Cardinals varsity baseball team set off from the school bright and early at 7 a.m. to participate in something that had not happened in 25 years.

“Through blood, sweat, and sheer grit, the team earned their spot in the postseason,” said Coach Joe Greer. “We knew from the get-go it might be a long day.”

The first game started at 10 a.m. If the Cardinals won, they would go to districts. If they lost, the team would have to play again at 4 p.m. to try and earn a district spot.

The first opponent, Sunnyside Christian, was a team the Cardinals had not played this season. Greer said his team displayed impressive, reliable defensive skills and had quick innings throughout the game. Sunnyside Christian won the game 9-1

The coach said heat and stress built quickly over the two hours the team had to wait between games.

The second game against Riverside Christian started at a fast pace. After one inning, the teams were tied one to one. But in the third inning, Riverside Christian exploded for seven runs and won the game 10-3, knocking the Cardinals out of the playoffs.

“We struggled a little to connect with the ball effectively, and it cost us our second win. Through pure willpower, we finished the entire game, fighting every step of the way. This season has been a roller coaster of emotions. Nevertheless, I could not be prouder of the boys in their accomplishments. I truly believe that next year no one will underestimate Waitsburg Cardinals,” said Greer. 

Game One against Sunnyside, 10 a.m.

Box scores:

Waitsburg 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

Sunnyside 4 1 0 0 1 3 0 9

Battery: Mahre, Reyes, and Nesje

Hits: Gleason, Reyes, Anderson, Whitmore

Game Two against Riverside Christian, 4 p.m.

Box scores:

Waitsburg 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 3

Riverside 1 0 7 0 2 0 0 10

Battery:  Reyes, Hankins, and Mahre

Hits:  Gleason, Henry, Hankins, Reyes 2, Carpenter