Cougars baseball moves into EWAC tournament

WARDEN – The Warden Cougars won both games of their doubleheader against Columbia High School, securing their place in the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference’s 2B baseball tournament Thursday. 

“I just felt like we had to show up, be ready to play and give these guys a loss so we can advance,” said Cougars’ Malakai Valdez. 

Cougars’ head coach Travis Visker said these games were a must-win for the team since only the top three teams advance into the postseason. Going into the first game, both teams were tied for that first-place spot. 

The Cougars finished their first game 13-2 with Michael Gonzalez pitching for the five innings played, where he gave up four hits and two runs, struck out seven and walked one. Anthony Gutierrez, Kameron Jensen, Rhett Jorgensen, Jonathan Baerholm and Danny Martinez all scored multiple runs in their game one victory. 

“I like that we came up with energy; these boys knew what was on the line,” said Gonzalez. 

The second game had similar success with T.J. Visker pitching on the mound for four innings where he gave up two hits and one run, striking out five and walking one. Gutierrez came in for the last three innings where he allowed two hits, striking out six and walking one. 

Gonzalez and Gutierrez stole multiple bases for the Cougars throughout the game, with the team earning a total of six stolen bases by the end. Martinez, Baerholm, Jensen and Valdez each collected one hit for the Cougars, giving them a 5-1 victory over Columbia with Valdez leading the team with one run batted in. 

“We did what we needed to do, so at this point the season is over,” said Visker. “Now we’re starting a new season tomorrow, it’s called the postseason and we’re going to go out there and it’s a fresh start, anything can happen.” 

Thursday was also a special night for the seniors on the team, highlighting the players who were playing in their final home game in Warden.  

“Kind of was a sad thing for me, last time playing with my teammates,” said Gutierrez. “They’re not only my teammates; they’re like brothers to me so it’s definitely a big deal for me.” 

Right now, the team’s goal is set on getting to the state championship bracket, said Visker. The coach and the seniors on the team said the focus and overall skill that the team has shown throughout the regular season will make them a strong contender. 

“I think it’s good to make an appearance, you can’t have a Cinderella if she isn’t invited to the ball,” said Gonzalez. “It’s good that we’re able to make the playoffs, hopefully we come in as underdogs and upset some big teams.” 

Warden is currently set to face Cle Elum on Tuesday for the first round of the EWAC 2B Tournament. The winner of this game will move on to play against Tri-Cities Prep. 

“We have some great momentum coming into the week, we’ve seen Cle Elum before and it’s just about getting the job done,” said Baerholm.  

To prepare for the upcoming road game, the Cougars are going to focus on making contact at the plate and emphasize hitting ground balls and making the other teams force them to make outs, Visker said. 

“I think we have got the stronger side of the bracket,” said T.J. Visker. “I think we’re going to go in strong and finish strong no matter what.” 

The Cougars will be on the road to face Cle Elum at 2 p.m. Tuesday. 

Warden Baseball Roster 

Name, Jersey
Anthony Gutierrez, 3
Jonathan Baerholm, 8
Travis (T.J.) Visker, Jr., 2
Malakai Valdez, 23
Ryan Jorgensen, 4
Rhett Jorgensen, 6
Kameron Jensen, 11
Eli Reyes, 44
Daniel Martinez, 5
Bernabe De Leon, 19
Miles Nelson, 7
Roman Gonzalez, 9
Bennett Leavitt, 40
Demarcus Valdez, 42
Carson Whitaker, 17 

    The Cougars’ Rhett Jorgensen scored multiple runs in the team’s win in game one.
  

    Seen ready to bat, Malakai Valdez said the team was ready to show up in their game Thursday.
  

    This is Jonathan Baerholm’s first year playing baseball as a foreign exchange student from Denmark and he’s been a great player for the team, according to his coaches.
  

    The Cougars’ Michael Gonzalez pitched the first game and stole multiple bases throughout the second game.
  

    Anthony Gutierrez said he’ll miss playing with his teammates after playing their last home game together.
  

    All of Warden’s seniors from left to right, T.J. Visker, Jonathan Baerholm, Anthony Gutierrez, Michael Gonzalez and Malakai Valdez.