EHS Baseball Trounces Hazen 11-1 in Subdistrict Playoffs

A combination of Michael Lucarelli's seven runs, D.J. Hitch's three hits, lights-out pitching by Cody Hughes and strong team defense propelled Enumclaw (17-2) to a resounding 11-1 win in five innings over Hazen (13-4) in the SPSL/Seamount 3A Sub-District Baseball Tournament at Auburn Mountainview High School on a cold, wet  blustery Saturday afternoon.

"The weather didn't phase us," Hornet coach Eric Fiedler said. "We were fortunate to get three consecutive days outside in the last week to prepare and we were dialed in today."

Enumclaw shortstop Lucarelli agreed. "We handled the weather well. Both teams had to play in it, and the ball was slick to handle." 

The Highlanders struck first in the top of the second inning as Zac Colterman drew a lead off walk and made it to third on a throwing error and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Jimmy Schmidt to give Hazen a 1-0 lead.

The lead would be short-lived as the Hornets' Hitch crushed a line drive into left field for a double, scoring Kyle Baumgartner and tying the game at 1 apiece.

A few batters later, Lucarelli got his first key hit when he cleared the bases with a triple to deep left center field, giving the Hornets a 4-1 lead.

"I was looking for a fastball and went after it when I got it," Lucarelli said.

Fiedler said, "Michael didn't think he got all of it (on the 3-run triple). He thought he got jammed but with the wind blowing the ball carried and got into the gap."

Enumclaw's Hughes dominated, allowing only two hits over the course of five innings and after the Hornets staked him to a 6-1 lead after two innings. Hughes kept the momentum going by not letting Hazen come back, allowing only two baserunners the final three innings. Fiedler was very pleased with Hughes' dominating performance against the Highlanders.

"Cody had really good movement on his pitches," Fiedler said. "He put the ball in play for our defense and we made some great plays especially at first base by Eric Koenig who had some great digs."

The Hornets would follow Hughes' lead on the mound by continuing to build on their five-run cushion with a pair of runs in the third inning on just one hit by Hitch, an RBI fielder's choice by Lucarelli and a couple of defensive miscues by Hazen to stretch the lead to 8-1.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Enumclaw finished the ball game off with a three-run walk-off homerun by Lucarelli to invoke the 10-run mercy rule after 4 1/2 or 5 innings, per WIAA High School Baseball rules.

"This game definitely gives us momentum," Lucarelli said. "This will give us a few days off to get ready for next week."

Fiedler said, "We put it -- all three phases (pitching,defense, and hitting) -- together today. I also know that our bats will heat up as the weather warms up."

Enumclaw next plays on Wednesday in the West Central District Tournament at 4 p.m. at Auburn Mountainview High School. The opponent will be the winner of Tuesday's game between the SPSL/Seamount #5 seed and the Southwest District#2 seed. 

Box Score

Hazen 010 00-- 1-2-2

Enumclaw 062 03-- 11-8-1

WP: Hughes

LP: Z.Kolterman

HR: Enumclaw: Lucarelli