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Tiger Trouncing: La Grande sweeps
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After waking up to a snow covered valley, the Tigers twin bill against Nyssa appeared to be in jeopardy. Assistant coach Todd Nice proposed the idea of playing in Elgin. “We really wanted to get these games in,” Tigers head coach Mark Lanman said. “There’s some young guys we wanted to get in game situations. We owe the Elgin School District for letting us use its field.” In the end, La Grande did what it needed to do against its Class 3A opponent — hit the ball, make quality pitches and mix in some defense. That sharp eye that allowed the games to happen translated on to the field. The Tigers came out with a 21-0, 12-2 sweep against Nyssa. Call it a workman-like performance. Obviously overmatched, the Bulldogs started one junior. On the opposite end of the spectrum they opened the game with six freshmen on the field. “Our boys did what we expected,” Lanman said. “We still had to execute, but they were our games to win.” Game 1 left the Bulldogs in awe of their opponent. Cody McKague put the punctuation mark on the rout with a grand slam in the third inning. The catcher finished with two home runs and seven RBIs in the game. Jacob Johnston, who followed the grand slam with a solo home run, finished with three hits and three RBIs. On the mound, Josh Homan had his full arsenal at work. The nasty one-two punch of his fastball and curveball led to a no-hit performance. Homan struck out seven, and allowed two runners to reach base — a hit batsman and a walk. The fireworks continued on the small Elgin field in Game 2.
 WHEELIN’ AND DEALIN’: Tigers senior Cody McKague heaves a pitch Monday. McKague earned the Game 2 win, striking out six batters. In Game 1, he belted two home runs — including a grand slam — finishing with 7 RBIs. - Observer photos/PAUL HARDER Johnston hit a two-run homer in the second, finishing with three hits and three RBIs. “Hopefully the kids don’t think this is going to happen every day,” Lanman said. “A lot of those are just long outs on our field.” The young Nyssa squad fought back, recording a hit in the first inning. In the fifth, the Bulldogs pushed across two runs, forcing the Tigers to step to the plate. The comeback didn’t last long. Carmichael led off the inning with a home run, ending the game. “It was a great day,” Lanman said. “We were able to play. Most of the hitters did a great job staying patient at the plate. We hit a lot of hard shots today. Our pitchers gave us quality innings, and our defense made plays when they had a chance.” La Grande (9-5 overall, 4-2 GOL) received a strong start from McKague, the Game 2 winner. He allowed two runs on six hits and fanned six. The Tigers, ranked No. 3 in the 4A coaches poll, jump back into Greater Oregon League play at Ontario (14-5 overall, 4-2 GOL) at 2 p.m. MT Friday. |
