By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

CORVALLIS, Ore.–  Incoming Dallas senior Tristyn Traglia knew coming off the game he had Thursday morning that he could spot the ball better.  But when he did, the Dragons pitcher got the ball in play and went the distance for the Post 20 Dirtbags, earning the Complete Game victory, 4-1, over the Salem Capitals to start the 47th-annual Mickey Riley Star Spangled Tournament at Corvallis High School.

“It helped my focus…it helped me.  It helped me a lot.  It made me a little bit better for Spring Ball next year, I’m excited for that year too” starts Traglia.  “It let me trust my defense a lot.  I know I can be a little bit better, just spot the ball a little bit better and not give up the big hits.  Just spotting.”

Coming off of their three-game series with Area-3 opponent the Mid-Coast Dungies on Tuesday and Wednesday, it was important for the Dirtbags to stay efficient and have energy defensively.  To save arms the best they can as they start this four day trek going into July.  

Their bats strung together hits to support Traglia on the hill.  Give him a cushion to work with  as Aiden Rock (West Salem), G. Moyer (Sprague) and Owen Jones (Dallas) each had two hits each for the Dirtbags in the victory.  Moyer drove in 2RBI’s at the plate as now Post 20 turns their focus to Michaels Toyota of Seattle Friday morning at 10am.

“Just got after them.  Nothing changes, just put your foot on the gas and keep going,” starts Jones. “I think we did great.  We had no errors, we made plays on balls that plays needed to be made on.  It’s a great day to be a ‘Bag.  We got runners in scoring position early on and that’s our big thing.  I think we have a really high percentage of getting runners in scoring position, once they’re on second with no outs, we’re scoring them.  Making sure we’re doing a job.”

Photos By Jeremy McDonald