Marist pitchers no-hit Vikings in 13-1 victory


Sophomore Kaden Starr and junior Conner Chase combined for a five-inning no-hitter Tuesday to lead the Marist Spartans to a 13-1 victory over the Siuslaw Vikings in Sky-Em League baseball at Jiggs Dodson Field.

The Vikings close their season Friday with a twin bill at Junction City. First pitch is 3 p.m.

"The men had a positive attitude and kept fighting to the end," Siuslaw coach Tom Shinn said. "Marist is a very good baseball team. Their pitcher (Starr) did a great job attacking the zone."

Starr struck out five but also walked five over 3 2-3 innings, allowing the Vikings to score in the fourth inning.

"In the fourth inning, the guys that came to the plate showed a lot of plate discipline, worked several walks and pushed a run across," Shinn said.

The Spartans, 12-1, all in league, have outscored opponents 167-54 this season. The win Tuesday clinched the league title, giving Marist a three-game lead with two to play.

Prior to Tuesday's game, the Vikings honored seniors Elijah Blankenship, Chayton James, Clay Kramer, Dalton Stinger and Logan Teel.

MARIST     260 14 — 13  9  0
SIUSLAW  000 10 —  1  0  3
Kaden Starr, Conner Chase (4) and KC Kimble, Carter Greene (3); Clay Kramer, Jason Garcia (2), Beau Erickson (5) and Elijah Blankenship.

SENIOR NIGHT

Logan Teel, with grandmother, Linda Teel

After graduation Logan plans on becoming a wildland firefighter for the summer, then further his education at Idaho State in the fall. Logan's favorite baseball memory was getting his first base hit after being walked all season and his teammates cheering him on. His advice to teammates: Always enjoy everything high school and sports bring to you because when it's over you can never get those experiences back.

Chayton James, with his mother, Mary James

Chayton is undecided as what he will do after graduation. His favorite baseball memory was making a diving catch in the outfield. His advice to teammates is to work hard and don't give up.

Dalton Stinger, with father Eric, step-mother Susie and sisters Chey and Zoe

After graduation Dalton plans to follow in his father's footsteps and become a journeyman plumber. His most memorable moment was the spring break trip to Klamath Falls his sophomore year. "We got a hotel and it was a good time with the boys." Dalton's advice to his teammates is "Take nothing for granted, just play your game and let the game come to you. Also, don't jump fences like me."

Clay Kramer, with parents Chuck and Annette Kramer

After graduating, Clay plans on majoring in sports and fitness management at Lane Community College. His favorite baseball memory is getting his first varsity hit his freshman year. Clay's advice to his teammates is "Enjoy ball while it lasts, because before you know it, you'll be stepping up to bat for the last time in the blue and gold."

Elijah Blankenship, with parents Mike and Natalie, sister Brea and brothers Jacob and Micah

Upon graduation, Elijah plans to attend Southern Oregon University to further his athletic career and study business. His favorite baseball memory was the trip to K-Falls. "We got a hotel and had a game in the snow." His advance to teammates is "Enjoy the time while it last."

Coach Shinn also thanked scorebook keep Brandi Shinn and coaches Dan Rankin and Mike Dannewitz.

"The hours of time both coaches donate to the program is extremely valuable and very much appreciated," Shinn said.