Trojans and Cardinals Split North Opener

Everett, WA - The Skagit Valley Cardinals and Everett Trojans split their doubleheader in a matchup that showcased dominant offense in one game and clutch pitching in the other. Everett rolled to an 11-1 victory in the opener, fueled by explosive hitting and strong pitching from AJ Hendrickson. However, Skagit Valley bounced back in the second game, edging out Everett 5-4 with timely hitting and a resilient bullpen performance. 

Game 1: Everett Dominates with Offensive Firepower

The Everett Trojans showcased their offensive strength in a commanding 11-1 victory over the Skagit Valley Cardinals in the first game of the doubleheader. Everett jumped ahead early with a three-run first inning, highlighted by Nate Davis' two-run double. The Trojans continued to add runs throughout the game, including a two-run triple by Max Paterson in the fourth and a two-run homer by Colin Beazizo in the seventh.

On the mound, Everett's AJ Hendrickson was dominant, earning his fifth win of the season by allowing just one run on three hits over five innings while striking out six. Reliever Garrett Schmokel closed out the game with two scoreless innings.

Skagit Valley's lone run came in the fifth inning on a solo home run by Braedon Requa, but the Cardinals struggled to generate offense against Everett's strong pitching. Skagit's starter, Moosa Nonomiya, took the loss, giving up five runs in 2.2 innings.

Key Performers:

• Everett: Colin Beazizo (2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI), Nate Davis (1-for-2, 2B, 2 RBI), Max Paterson (3-for-3, 3B, 2 RBI)

• Skagit Valley: Braedon Requa (3-for-3, HR, RBI)

• Pitching: AJ Hendrickson (5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 K), Garrett Schmokel (2.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K)

Game 2: Skagit Valley Edges Everett in Nail-Biter

In the second game, Skagit Valley rebounded with a hard-fought 5-4 victory over Everett, splitting the doubleheader. After three scoreless innings, Skagit Valley broke through in the fourth with four runs, capitalizing on key hits from Anthony Myers and Braedon Requa and an error by Everett.

Everett responded with two runs in the fifth, including an RBI groundout from Colin Beazizo. Skagit Valley added a crucial insurance run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Braedon Requa. Everett made a late push in the eighth when Jake Lockwood hit a two-run double, bringing them within one, but Skagit's bullpen held on to secure the win.

Pitching played a significant role in Skagit Valley's victory. Gavin Harrington earned the win, allowing two runs over 5.2 innings, while Kannin Crews closed the game with 3.1 solid innings for the save. Everett's Blake Sandvik took the loss, surrendering four runs (two earned) over five innings.

Key Performers:

• Skagit Valley: Mac Galvin (3-for-5, 2B, R), Anthony Myers (2-for-4, RBI, R), Braedon Requa (1-for-3, SF, RBI)

• Everett: Jake Lockwood (2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI), Max Paterson (2-for-4, R)

• Pitching: Gavin Harrington (5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 K), Kannin Crews (3.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 K, Sv)

The Trojans continue their north region homestand with a morning doubleheader against Douglas on March 25th.