Union County 3-0 at state

Union County’s Zack Jacobs runs down a Southwest Metro player during Thursday’s game in Baker City at the North Oregon State Babe Ruth Tournament. (Kathy Orr/Baker City Herald)

15-year-old Babe Ruth all-stars enter quarterfinals with undefeated record 

BAKER CITY — The Union County 15-year-old Babe Ruth all-star team is a perfect 3-0 after two days at the North Oregon State Tournament in Baker City.

After a 9-4 win over Newberg in the tournament opener Wednesday, Union County defeated Southwest Metro, 11-1, and dropped Clackamas, 19-8, Thursday.

“The boys came ready to play,” Union County manager Matt Duncan said. “They hit the ball well.”

Against Southwest Metro, Trent Shafer started and went four innings, allowing just one run. Shafer also helped himself out at the plate, hitting a two-run double.

Union County’s bats really came alive in Thursday’s nightcap.

Jake Workinger hit a three-run double, Ryan Adams came through with a two-run double and Robert Gillies hit a two-run single.

“(Clackamas’) pitching was really off-speed that game,” Duncan said. “It took us a couple innings to get it figured out, but we were able to come through with some timely hitting and a big inning.”

Zack Jacobs started the game and went two innings, allowing four runs, just one earned. 

Isaiah Cranford pitched two innings of no-run ball, Alec Cranford allowed four runs in his one inning of work and Jared Neiss pitched a perfect 2/3 of an inning.

Union County opened the tournament with a 9-4 win over Newberg. 

Ross Duncan had a double and a triple in that game before taking a ball off the nose.

Duncan’s return to play this weekend is questionable, according to his coach.

Coach Duncan said his team has caught the attention of opposing coaches at the tournament.

“The Newberg coach told me that we were the team to beat. So, I guess word got out on how good we are,” Duncan said. “I don’t wanna sound overconfident. All I know is we have a darn good team.”

Union County is the No. 1 seed entering the quarterfinals and will face the Baker Bulldogs at 2 p.m. today.

If it wins that game, Union County will be in the semifinals Saturday.