Cougar baseball wins one, loses two in Arizona

Niwot Baseball traveled to Queen Creek, Arizona, over spring break, heading south for the first time in several years to the Valley of the Sun for a tournament at Casteel High School March 20-21.

The Cougars opened against Forest Grove High School, Oregon, coming away with a 13-6 victory in five innings due to a time limit. Niwot scored in every inning, as the offense came alive.

At the same time, the Cougars made four errors in the field, and a few more that did not show up in the box score. "We didn't play our best game," Niwot pitching coach Greg Wilcox said. The loss was the first of the season for Forest Grove, which is now 4-1.

Junior Henry Noblin went four innings, giving up six runs on five hits with one walk and two strikeouts, but only one run was earned. Senior Arlo Richards took over in the fifth inning and pitched a scoreless final frame.

Senior first baseman Drew Stapp led the offense with three hits, including a double, scoring two runs. Senior Jagger Kilpatrick and Noblin each added two hits, with Noblin driving in six runs with a double and single.

In the second game of the tournament, the Cougars faced Arizona College Prep, but fell behind early and could not close a 7-0 deficit. Arizona College Prep is now 10-3 on the season.

Starting pitcher Jack O'Hara gave up one run in the first inning and with two outs and one on, looked like he was going to escape further damage, but an infield pop fly fell between first base and the pitcher's mound for a single. The next batter hit a three-run home run and the Cougars were down 5-0 after the first inning. Two more runs scored in the second inning, putting Niwot in a 7-0 hole.

The Cougar offense was led by senior Haden Shaw, who had two hits, including a double, scoring one run. Kilpatrick also had a double, scoring a run, while Stapp, Charlie Shaw and Kaige Kennedy each had a single and drove in a run. Noblin picked up the other RBI for Niwot.

Soren Crisco pitched the fifth inning, giving up one unearned run on one hit, while Kennedy pitched the sixth inning, allowing two runs. Kennedy did not give up a hit, but walked one and hit a batter, both of whom scored as Niwot gave up seven stolen bases.

In the third game of the tournament, the Cougars fell to Higley High School of Gilbert, Arizona, 13-0. Fielding woes returned as four Cougar errors led to six unearned runs. Niwot pitchers also gave up nine walks, and the game ended in the fifth inning due to the mercy rule. Stapp and Haden Shaw managed the only two hits for Niwot as the bats went silent. Kilpatrick started on the mound with Crisco and Kennedy each pitching an inning in relief.