By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

NEWBERG, Ore.–  In his last outing against the Post 20 Dirtbags, Stayton’s Ryne Hockman didn’t have the best of outings.  Going into the second inning before having to be pulled for the day at 45 pitches in the Post 58 Crushers’ tough 14-4 defeat that day.

Fast forward a week later and the incoming Eagle senior was taking to the hill once more against the Newberg Tigers Single-A squad on Wednesday.  Starting the second game of the day following Post 58’s 14-3 win to start the day.  

And in slightly more pitches thrown in the nightcap, 15 more than his previous start in the 11-0 five-inning win, Hockman threw a no-hitter.  Striking out seven and only allowing two walks in the 60 pitches thrown.  Efficient was Hockman to help lead the Crushers to their third-straight win going into Friday’s single game with the Eugene Challengers on Friday out at Regis High School in Stayton.

“It was nice, it definitely made it feel quicker than it was.  My team helped with that, they made some great plays and helped me limit pitching,” Hockman said of his performance. “A couple of innings I think I had under ten pitches, it was great.”

The bats came around for Post 58. Sprague’s Owen Zerr led the offense with six hits to go with 5RBI’s in the two games to lead a Crusher offense that produced 19 runs on 20 hits.  Wyatt Postlewait (Silverton) and Josh Allen (McNary) each collected three hits in Wednesday’s games.

“I think it definitely helped because coming in I was in a slump and hitting below .100 the last couple of games, so it was big for me to get the six hits.  Big confidence booster,” starts Zerr. “This team, after the rough tournament, every game we’ve gotten better and stepped up.  Played well, cleaned up in the infield.”

First pitch Friday is scheduled at 5pm in Stayton before Post 58 hosts Mid-Coast Monday to start their Area-3 series with the Dungies.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald