Click on the following link for spectacular digital photography images from former Pirate Eric Todd. 

 http://etdpi.smugmug.com/gallery/7731064_38hni#499714548_7H6rU   

          The awards just keep coming for Junior, Ryan Brett. This week Louisville Slugger named Brett to it's First Team All American Squad as a multi-position player.  Ryan has been named First Team All League, League MVP, Seattle Times, All-Area, Washington State Coaches Association First Team All-State and our team MVP as voted on by his team mates.  Ryan joins former Pirate Marcus Faulkner (2004) as the only HHS Pirates ever named to this prestigeous award.  The following link connects to the seattle Times website for more info...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2009351935_webprep18.html

          A dramatic come-from-behind win over fifth ranked Bellevue propelled Highline into the Regional Championship Game where the Pirates fell short against Bainbridge Island.

          The first game started of well with Highline scoring a pair of runs in the first on a Brandon D'Andrea squeeze bunt and Lee Carson's RBI single. Ryan Lingle got the start and shut down the Wolverines through the first three innings. Bellevue rallied for four  runs in the fourth on two walks and two basehits. Freshman Jonny Locher came on in relief to get the Pirates out of the inning down 4-2. The Wolverines added another run in the fifth to extend their lead.  In the top of the seventh Highline mounted one of their patented, big inning rallies.  Joe Young lead off with a bloop single and with one out Luke Werle and Ryan Brett also singled narrowing the BHS lead to 5-3.  Then, with two outs, Locher hit an RBI single and D'Andrea was intentionally walked to load the bases for Carson.  Lee smacked a bases clearing double to left center giving Highline a  7-5 lead.  A Wolverine miscue plated another run before the inning was over.  Brett slammed the door in the bottom of the seventh to preserve the victory and send the Pirates into the Championship Game against Bainbridge.  For the game Ryan Brett was 2-for-3, Jacob Hignite was 2-for-4 and Lee Carson went 3-for-4 with 4 RBI.

HIGHLINE   2  0  0  0  0  0  6      8  10  1

BELLEVUE    0  0  0  4  1  0  0       5  5  1

WINNING PITCHER:  Ryan Brett

LOSING PITCHER:  Jake Collier

          Game Two saw Bainbridge jump out to a 4-0 lead after two innings. The Pirates got on the board in the third when Ryan Brett reached on an error and scored on Jonny Locher's single.  Highline's relievers kept the Spartans in check through the middle innings and and the Pirates started to make their move in the sixth.  Locher lead off the frame with a solo homer to straight away left. Brandon D'Andrea, Lee Carson and Ryan Lingle followed that with consecutive basehits and the Spartan starter was done for the day. Joe Young executed a perfect squeeze bunt to pull Highline within one run at 4-3. Wade Berg was intentionally walked to load the bases with only one out.  Luke Werle then chopped a grounder back to the mound which was snagged and turned into a 1-2-3 double play ending the Pirate threat.  Bainbridge used that big play's momentum and some sloppy Pirate defense to tack on five runs in the top of the seventh and open up a 9-3 lead.  Highline could only muster one more run in the bottom of the inning and the season came to an end.  Jonny lead the offense in this one going 3-for-4 with his second homerun of the post season and fourth overall.  Ryan Lingle went 2-for-3 with a "No-Throw" push bunt.

BAINBRIDGE  3  1  0  0  0  0  5     9  8  1

HIGHLINE      0  0  1  0  0  2  1      4  8  3

WINNING PITCHER:  Morse

LOSING PITCHER:  Carson

          Meanwhile, Ryan Brett added to his pile of post season awards being named to the Seattle Times All-Area Baseball Team. Ryan is the fourth Pirate to earn this honor in the past 6 years. Use the following link to see the entire 2009 squad.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2009256114_starbaseballcaps24.html 

          The bracket has finally been deciphered and Highline's game time is 10:00 AM at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue on Saturday.  Our opponent is the Bellevue Wolverines.  The second game of the day which begins at 1:00 PM pits Bainbridge Island against Columbia River.  The winners of those two games play at 4:00 PM for entry into the "Final Four."  The entire bracket is available via the following link...

http://www.wiaa.com/brackets/BaseSoc16.aspx?s=Baseball&c=3A&y=2009

          Bannerwood Park is just north of Factoria Shopping Mall off of Richards Road.  The following link will show a map of the area...

http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sports/highschool/venue/?id=1556 

          The Pirates return to practice Wednesday afternoon at 2:30.  Everyone should be well rested, healed up and eager to get back to work.

          Bouncing back from a first round loss to #2 Timberline the Pirates once again rose to the occasion and punched their ticket to the State Tournament.

          Tuesday's game saw Highline fall behind 4-0 in the first then pick their way back into contention by narrowing the lead to 4-3 in the fourth. Timberline then tacked on two more runs in the fifth to pull ahead 6-4. The Pirates could not answer back and found themselves headed to the losers bracket and a Friday night contest at Kent Memorial Field with Union High School of Camas, Washington.

          Union looked unbeatable scoring in each of the first five innings opening up a 7-0 lead. Highline didn't even have a baserunner until the fourth inning. The Pirates showed some life in the fifth with runners on second and third but a flyball ended the threat.  In the sixth, Ryan Brett scorched a line drive down the line which the Titan third baseman snagged and it looked like this was not going o be our night. That's when the magic began.  Jacob Hignite was safe on a fielding error to get things started. Jonny Locher and Brandon D'Andrea then singled to load the bases.  Union made a pitching change and the "New Hill" walked the first three batters he faced to narrow the lead to 7-3.  Wade Berg had an RBI single and Luke Werle walked which brought Brett back to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs.  Ryan launched a deep drive to the fence in left field for a base clearing triple and we had a tie game.  Neither team scored again in regulation as Brett took over on the  mound and pitched three spectacular innings striking out six. Highline again threatened in the ninth inning when a "snowcone" doubleplay ended a potential rally.  Ryan Lingle came on in relief in the top of the ninth and pitched out of a bases loaded jam highlighted by Hignite's diving catch in right center.  Ryan settled down after that and gave up just one base hit in the top of the eleventh.

          Joe Young lead off the bottom of the eleventh by being hit by a pitch.  Wade Berg laid down a sac bunt which the Union catcher booted and we had runners on first and second with nobody out. Werle popped up for the first out which brought Ryan Brett back to the plate.  The Junior pulled another line drive down the third base line and Joe scored from second base standing up and the Pirates could celebrate and make plans for another day of baseball.

UNION          1  1  3  1  1  0  0  0  0  0  0           7  13  2

HIGHLINE    0  0  0  0  0 7  0  0  0  0  1           8   8   1

WP;  Lingle   LP:  Macey.

          Saturday morning Highline headed to Foss High School for a 9:45 contest with SPSL Champion Auburn Mountainview.  The Lions had their ace on the hill but Pirate Freshman, Jonny Locher greeted him with a solo homerun in the first inning.  Brandon D'Andrea singled but was left stranded on third when the inning ended.  Joe Young got the call to start the game and got through the first two innings unscathed.  Highline put together a four run third inning when the first four hitters put up basehits including a two run double from Locher.  Lee Carson also had a two run double as Highline stretched the lead to 5-0 and the Lion's starting pitcher was through for the day.

          AMV scored an unearned run in the bottom of the third to make it 5-1 but Highline answered back with a two spot in the top of the fourth on three basehits and two more in the top of the fifth opening up a 9-1 lead.  The Lions roared back with three runs in the fifth to narrow the lead.  The Pirates, once again responded with two runs in the sixth and three more in the seventh and a comfortable 14-4 lead.  AMV rallied for one more run in the bottom of the inning but it wasn't enough to deny Highline their first trip to state in four years. 

          Hats of to Joe for going the distance and allowing our other Pirate pitchers a day of rest.  Joe allowed no bases on balls and tamed the potent Lion line-up with a vast assortment of pitches.  Highline was lead offensively by Senior, Brandon D'Andrea who was an amazing 5-for-5 including a 2 RBI double.  Ryan Brett went 3-for-5 and scored four runs from his lead-off spot.  Highline tallied 15 total basehits in the contest.

          Highline's journey to State begins next Saturday at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue against Kingo League Champion, Bellevue.  They are a formidable opponent and have been on a 5 game win streak to get this far.  Let's just be glad it's not their football team.    Hopefully the magic will continue.  Game time is 10:00 AM.  The 1:00 contest has Bainbridge Island versus Columbia River with the victor facing the winner of our game at 4:00 PM.  The Pirates are two wins away from a return to Safeco Field.  It has been 31 years since Highline appeared in the Final Four.  It is "High Time" we return.  More details and 3A bracket information will be available in the next few days.  Stay tuned!

HIGHLINE            1  0  4  2  2  2  3      14   15  4

AUB MT. VIEW     0  0  1  0  3  0  1        5    9   1

          The Pirates kept their winning streak alive with a 5-3 win over Enumclaw on Saturday afternoon.  The victory secures the SS/SPSL #3 seed and a Tuesday night contest with the SWC #1 seed which appears to be Timberline.  Highline's record improves to 15-4 on the year. Four of five Seamount League teams managed to win over the weekend.  Hazen and Lindbergh won dramatic "loser out" contests.  Mt. Rainier pulled out an extra inning win over Auburn Mountainview for the number one seed.  Kennedy was the only loser from our league falling 13-1 to Franklin Pierce.

          Highline opened the scoring against Enumclaw in the bottom of the first with three runs on just two hits. Two walks, a Sac fly and a squeeze accounted for the talleys.  The Pirates extended their lead with another run in the second.  Enumclaw scratched back with three runs in the third to make it 4-3 but that's all the offense they could muster. Highline added a run in the fifth on a bases loaded balk to close out the scoring.

          Lee Carson worked the first three innings on the hill.  Jonny Locher came on in the fourth and got credit for the win and Ryan Lingle pitched the final two innings for the Save. Lingle also lead the offensive attack going two-for-two with two RBI.   Photos from the game are once again available from Eric todd at the following link . http://etdpi.smugmug.com/gallery/8159919_y9cBk#532551861_uX5yv

                  1  2  3  4  5  6  7       R  H  E

Enumclaw   0  0  3  0  0  0  0     3   4   1

Highline      3  1  0  0  1  0  X      5   5  0

Winning Pitcher: Locher.  Save:  Lingle.  Losing Pitcher: Olsen.

          After completing an outstanding regular season, Junior, Ryan Brett has been named Seamount League MVP for 2009.  Ryan joins a long list of Pirate MVP's in the past few years including Marcus Faulkner (2004 & 2005), Ben Guidos (2006), Brendan Gardner-Young and David Wagner (2007).  Brett was also named First Team All-League Shortstop and First Team All League Pitcher.  His .643 Batting Average and 0.00 ERA were undoubtedly helpful in securing the coveted honors.  However, Ryan's importance to the success the Pirates had this season and the realization that we would have been a very mediocre team without him, seemed to carry more weight in the final analysis of what a true MVP represents.

          Also named to the first team was Freshman outfielder, Jonny Locher.  The switch hitting lefty batted .537 for the year while playing errorless ball from his centerfield position.  Ryan Lingle was selected as second team All League Utility Man and Senior, Brandon D'Andrea was Honorable Mention at firstbase. Brandon and Wade Berg were also named to the Seamount League, Senior All-Star Team which will play in a feeder game against the SPSL All-Stars in early June.

          After sweeping four straight games, Highline heads to the playoffs with the Seamount Number Two Seed, a full head of steam and hopefully some big time momentum.  First up is a Saturday, sub-district playoff game with Enumclaw at Russell Road.  Game time is 4:00 PM and the winner secures the Seamount Number three seed and a first round game on Tuesday night also at Russell Road at 7:00 PM against the Western Conference number one seed.  The loser will have to travel to Vancouver, Washington on Tuesday to face the Southwest District number one seed at 4:00 PM.  No matter who we face, the crucial thing is to win that Tuesday contest which secures a ticket to "The Dance" on May 23rd.

          Ticket prices for Saturdays game are $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for students with ASB cards and $2.00 for senior citizens and elementary students.

          The bracket for the West Central District Tournament can be downloaded from the WCD III website by clicking on the following link  http://www.wcd3.org/b_ba.htm  then click on the 3A Bracket.  Highline T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and fleece pullovers are still for sale.  T-shirts are $8.00, Hoodies are $25.00 and fleeces are $40.00 and can be purchased Friday after practice or Saturday before the game at the Highline Baseball Clubhouse.

          With no margin for error and a daunting task before them, the Pirates ran off four straight wins and secured the number two spot in the Seamount League standings.  After Wednesday's dramatic come-from-behind win over Lindbergh, a comfortable 16-1 victory over Foster took place on Wednesday night. Highline plated ten runs in the first on 12 basehits. The Pirates added to their lead in every inning to produce the final score. Ryan Brett was 3-for-3, Wade Berg was 3-for-4 and Brandon D'Andrea was 2-for-4 to lead the offensive stats.  Wade also went the distance on the bump to get the win.

                 1  2  3  4  5   R  H  E 

Foster      0  0  0  0  1   1  3   4

Highline   10  2  3  1  X 16  13  1

Winning Pitcher:  Berg  Losing Pitcher:  Brown

           Highline played Kennedy on Thursday afternoon to complete a "protested game" from last Friday.  Kennedy used an illegal substitution  in their 5-4 win over Highline.  The umpires misapplied a rule which caused the game to be replayed in the seventh inning and Highline managed to reverse the final score with a 5-4 win. 

          The seventh inning started slowly for the Pirates as Sean Narby shut down the first two batters. Junior, Ryan Brett scratched out an infield single to keep the visitors alive. Brandon D'Andrea hit a slow roller to third and the throw to first was in the dirt and got by Kennedy's first baseman. Brett motored around the bases and scored the go ahead run from first.  Wade Berg  singled but Brandon D'Andrea was thrown out at the plate on the play to end the inning.  Brett then took the hill to preserve the win and proceded to strike out the side to finish it.  The Pirate victory earns a tie for second place in the Seamount League but, the season sweep of the Lancers means Highline secures the number two seed to the Sub-District Tournament which takes place next weekend.

Highline  4  0  0  0  0  0  1    5  7  0

Kennedy  2  0  0  1  0  1  0   4  4  2

Winning Pitcher:  Brett.  Losing Pitcher;  Narby

          The playoff picture has now been determined for Highline with a 4:00 PM contest on Saturday, May 9th at at Russell Road Park in Kent against the SPSL second place finisher which appears to be Enumclaw.  Hats off to the Pirates though as they came from fifth place to second in the final week of the season and have a huge feeling of momentum heading into the post season.      

          Just when you thought the Pirate's didn't have a pulse, the team mounted a comeback for the ages downing Lindbergh 10-9 on Monday night.  The Patriots Greg Gasperetti was cruising with a one-hit performance through five innings and an 8-2 lead.  Highline's only runs were from a Joe Young squeeze and a Lee Carson solo shot.  Ryan Brett lead off the sixth with a line drive triple to center and scored when Ryan Lingle reached on an error.  Wade Berg then doubled, Joe singled, Luke Werle doubled and Jeremy Rowden singled to make it 8-7. Jacob Hignite tied the score with a sac fly and Ryan Brett finished it off with a "mammoth" two run "moonshot" to put the Rats up 10-8.

         Lindbergh wasn't done yet  as Gasperetti homered to lead off the top of the seventh.  Brett then was summoned to the hill and proceded to strike out the next three batters to preserve the win. 

Lindbergh  0 3 0 0 2 3 1   9  12  4

Highline     0 0 0 1 1 8  x   10  9  2

Winning Pitcher:  Lee Carson.  Save:  Ryan Brett

Losing Pitcher:  Greg Gasperetti 

          Highline has clinched a spot in the playoffs but just "when" and "where" has yet to be determined.  First off, a win VS Foster on Wednesday night is extremely important.  Secondarily, the Seamount League is meeting tomorrow to rule on the "protested game" against Kennedy.  Meantime, Kennedy, Lindbergh and Hazen must finish out their respective seasons before it is all sorted out.  Highline still could finish in the number two spot or they could finish number five.  Fourth and fifth play a "loser out" game at the subdistrict level so we would rather not be in that scenario.  There is a strong possibility that a tie breaker will be involved to determine placement in that sub-district tournament which takes place Friday and Saturday, May 8-9th.

          The Pirates kept their record perfect at Safeco Field with a 4-1 victory over Nathan Hale on Saturday.  Highline opened the scoring in the top of the third when Jonny Locher walked, stole second, stole third and then scored on a Ryan Brett single. HHS added to the lead in the fourth with a two out rally. Kasey Daw and Jacob Hignite singled and a wild pitch scored Kasey to make it 2-0. Brett accepted a base-on-balls with one out in the fifth and then proceded to steal second and third before scoring on a Wade Berg single. Hale scored in the bottom of the fifth to make it 3-1. Brett stroked a triple off the wall in left in the seventh and scored on a passed ball to give Highline the final 4-1 victory margin.  Junior, righty Lee Carson came on on the seventh to register the "Save."

     Some spectacular photos from the High School Baseball classic are available by clicking on the following link

http://photos.juniormonkey.com/gallery/8017798_S6J65#521622715_dBNrV

          The win snapped a 3 game losing streak for Highline. The Pirates tentatively lost to Kennedy on Friday by a score of 5-4.  All five runs were unearned as Highline struggled to find the answer behind the plate when Luke Werle was sidelined with a hand injury.  A protest was lodged due to an illegal substitution by the Lancers and a ruling is expected from the Seamount League by Tuesday.

          Next up for Highline is a 7:00 PM game with Lindbergh on Monday night.  The regular season concludes on Wednesday night as the Pirates host Foster at 7:00 PM.

          Highline went toe-to-toe with Mount Rainier on Wednesday night before the rain and the Rams were too much to overcome.  Freshman Jonny Locher was perfect through the first ten batters before a basehit bunt got things rolling for MR. Two more basehits plated the first run of the game which proved to be all the Rams would need.  A five run fifth provided the final 6-0 score. Kyle Johnson went the distance in the rain shortened, six inning contest.  Highline managed just four hits for the night highlighted by Jonny's fourth triple of the year in the third. Ryan Brett, Wade Berg and Lee Carson also joined the hit parade.  Up next for Highline is a crucial game at Kennedy on Friday afternoon at 3:30.  The Pirates are currently in fifth place but a win would knot things considerably as we try to move up to that number two spot in the league which is crucial to league playoff seeding possibilities.  All of the top five teams have contests amongst themselves in the next week so "running the table" seems like a good idea.

Mt. Rainier   0 0 0 1 0 5    6  7  1

Highline         0 0 0 0 0 0   0  4  2

Highline couldn't muster much offense and fell to Lindbergh 2-1 on Tuesday. Lee Carson had a strong outing on the hill pitching 6+ innings before leaving with two on and no one out in the seventh. Ryan Lingle came on in relief and, after striking out the first batter he faced, allowed a bloop single to left that ended the game. Ryan Brett and Jonny Locher had two hits each. Wade Berg drove in Highline's only run with a sac fly in the sixth.The loss drops Highline into third place in the Seamount race with a huge game looming tomorrow night at home against Mt. Rainier at 7:00 PM.

         Highline faces Kennedy on Friday afternoon and Q-13 Sports has nominated that contest as a potential game of the week.  We need to have as many people as possible log onto the following link and vote for Highline VS Kennedy.  Email as many people as possible and ask them to also vote for that game.

 http://www.q13fox.com/pages/seattle_sports

HIGHLINE     0  0  0  0  0  1  0     1  7  1

LINDBERGH   0  0  1  0  0  0  1     2  7  1

           Evergreen kept it close for a few innings but Highline emerged with a 12-0 victory on Monday afternoon. Junior, Joe Young was masterful on the mound and had a perfect game going into the fifth (and final) inning before an infield hit wiped out the no-no. Joe retired the next three Wolverines to get the Complete Game Win for Highline on just 54 pitches.  The offense was lead by Ryan Brett who was 2-for-2 with a double and 3 RBI. Ryan Lingle went 2-for-3 with 3 RBI and Jonny Locher was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI.  Jeremy Rowden laid down a "no throw" basehit bunt in the fifth as Highine put the game out of reach with their ninth "Mercy Rule" victory of the year.   Highline's next action is tomorrow (Tuesday) traveling to Lindbergh for a 3:30 game.

                   1  2  3  4  5  R   H   E

Highline       2  0 2  4  4  12  12  0

Evergreen    0  0  0  0  0  0  1   4

Winning Pitcher:  Young  Losing Pitcher:  Romine

          Highline managed to win a couple of games this week. The Pirates could have run the table but one " stinker" cropped up against Hazen on Wednesday which knocked us out of first place. Although the loss was disappointing the good news is that our destiny is still in our own hands (and arms and bats) as the Pirates sail into a crucial week of Seamount League action.

           On Wednesday Hazen jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first. The Pirates responded with a run in the botom half but the Highlanders hung a three spot on the Rats in the second with two hits and three bases-on balls. Ryan Brett came on in relief and shut the door the rest of the way but Highline ran out of time in the bottom of the seventh on a bases loaded double play to end the game 5-4.  Brett and Brandon D'Andrea lead the hit parade going 2-for-3. Brandon also had thee RBI's.

          Highline bounced back with a double header sweep of Renton on Thursday winning 12-1 and 13-1.  Jonny Locher went 4-for-4 in the opener including two doubles and 4 RBI. Ryan Brett went 2-for-2 with a three run dong. Brandon and Lee had two hits each and Ryan Lingle was 3-for-3.  Junior, Jacob Hignite got the "W" on the hill with relief from Joe Young.

          The night cap saw Highline's first ten batters score in the bottom of the first on eight basehits.  Ryan Lingle, Kasey Daw and Jeremy Rowden had two hits each. Freshman, Jacob Wydick started and pitched two perfect innings. Jonny Locher relieved and got credit for the win with Wade Berg pitching a one-two-three fifth inning to send the Pirate faithful home happy. The 10 run "mercy rule" win was Highline's eighth on the season out of eleven games. 

          Highline heads into next week with a juggernaut schedule.  Monday we travel to Evergreen for a 3:30 game. Tuesday is the make-up at Lindbergh. Wednesday we host MR in a 7:00 PM game at Moshier which will obviously have league championship implications on the line. Friday we travel to Kennedy and Saturday is the High School Baseball Classic at Safeco Field against Nathan Hale.  It's hard to imagine a more crucial week EVER for the Pirates than what we face in the next eight days.  It's exciting to have a challenge of this magnitude with so much on the line.  Six Seamount League games remain on the schedule with five teams very much in the hunt.  

Seamount

          For the third straight time Highline played a five inning game over-powering Tyee 16-5 on Thursday night.  The Totems drew first blood with a two spot in the top of the first when Johnny Walker cracked a 2 RBI double.  Highline responded with 12 runs in the bottom of the frame sending 16 batters to the plate.  Ryan Lingle had a pair of hits and Jacob Hignite launched his third "dong" of the year.  Ryan Brett also homered in the second as HHS put up four more runs.  Tyee came up with 3 runs in the fourth but the Rats closed them out in the fifth and  went home early for the fifth time this season.  Wade Berg got  the win on the hill.  Caleb Ramirez, Ryan Lingle and Ryan Brett all pitched and contributed for the win.  Lingle also cranked out three basehits in four attempts.

          Next up for Highline is a 3:30 game at Lindbergh on Monday. Directions to the field can be found by clicking on the "Locations": tab of this website.

          Highline got a little lift from our pals at Kennedy as the Lancers thumped Mt. Rainier on Friday afternoon 9-6.  The MR loss moves Highline into a tie for the Seamount League lead with the Rams.  We are nearing the half way point on the season and anything can happen from here on out.  It's nice to know Highline is in "the hunt" once again this year.

                  1  2  3  4  5  R   H   E

Tyee          2  0  0  3  0   5   5   4

Highline    12  4  0  0  x   16  11  2

WP:  Berg  LP:  Grove

          Evergreen was the latest team to suffer the white wash of the Highline pitching staff falling 11-0 on Monday night.  Jacob Hignite started and went two innings striking out three and allowing just one basehit. Ryan Lingle had the exact same statistical line and was given credit for the win improving his record to 2-1 on the year.  Ryan Brett pitched the fifth and struckout the side on 11 pitches.

          The game started a bit slow as neither team scored in the first. In the bottom of the second the Pirates finally came alive with a two-out, ten run rally.  Lee Carson cranked a bases clearing triple and Luke Werle blooped a two run double to lead the offensive stats.  Evergreen played fairly well except for the big inning but, the game ended early as Highline invoked the ten run "Mercy" rule for the fifth time on the young season.  This one was over after only one hour and five minutes had elapsed.

           Highline's next action is Thursday when Tyee comes to Moshier for a 7:00 PM contest.   Next week has Highline playing four games with the make-up at Lindbergh scheduled for Monday, Hazen at Highline on Tuesday night and then Renton comes for a double-header on Thursday with the first game slated for 3:30 PM.

                        1  2  3  4  5    R  H  E           

Evergreen       0  0  0  0  0    0  2  3

Highline          0  10 1  0  X   11  7  0

Winning Pitcher:  Lingle

Losing Pitcher:  Graham

        The Pirate batsmen wasted no time rebounding from Thursday's loss with a 25-0 trouncing of Foster.  Twelve different players contributed to the hit parade accounting for 20 basehits.  Wade Berg lead the way going 4-for-5 and also pitching three innings to get credit for the win.  Brandon D'Andrea closed out the last two innings preserving Highline's third shut-out of the week.  With the win Highline improves to 5-1 on the season.  The next action for the Pirates will be practice on Thursday and Friday during Spring Break.  Monday, April 6th will see a return to Seamount League play as we host Evergreen for a 3:30 contest at Moshier Field.

Highline        4  2  10  4  5     25  20  0

Foster           0  0  0  0  0       0    4   5

Winning Pitcher:  Berg.  Losing Pitcher:  West.

          There were plenty of opportunites but only one team took advantage of them as Highline fell to Mt. Rainier 10-2 on Thursday afternoon.  The Pirates left ten runners on base for the day as several potential rallys were thwarted by line drive outs and good defensive plays by our rivals.  Highline jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when Wade Berg's RBI single scored Ryan Brett.  MR responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning to take the lead.   The Rams came up with a six spot in the bottom of the third to take command.  Highline tried to mount a two out rally in the fifth.  A basehit bunt by Luke Werle got things going but  three more hits  produced only one run and Highline left the bases loaded.  Two more runners were left stranded when the game ended.  Ryan Lingle took the loss on the mound. Joe Young and Jonny Locher pitched in relief holding the Rams to just 3 runs. Highline returns to action tomorrow with a 3:30 game at Foster.

                                                         R  H  E

Highline             1  0  0  0  1  0  0      2   6   1

Mt. Rainier       2  0  6  0  2  0  X     10  10  1

Winning Pitcher: McDermott  Losing Pitcher: Lingle  1-1

          Highline remained perfect for 2009 with a 14-0 win at Tyee on Tuesday.  A four run first inning put the Pirates in command early.  Doubles by Ryan Brett and Brandon D'Andrea, an RBI single from Wade Berg and a couple of Tyee errors opened the flood gates.  Highline plated seven more runs in the third highlighted by Jonny Lochers 2 RBI triple, an RBI single from Brett, and doubles from Wade Berg and D'Andrea.  In the fourth inning Jacob Hignite launched his second homerun of the year onto the bank in left center and Brandon stroked another double.  Highline added one more run in the top of the fifth on four bases-on-balls.  Hignite was in total command on the hill allowing just one base runner while holding the Totems hitless for three innings.  Freshman lefty, Jacob Wydick pitched the final two frames to preserve the shut-out for the visiting Pirates.  Offensive highlights came from Ryan Brett and Brandon D'Andrea with three hits each and Wade Berg went 2-for-2.

          Highline travels to Lindbergh tomorrow for a 3:30 game with the Eagles. Directions to the field can be obtained by clicking on the "Locations" page of this website.

                  1   2   3   4   5      R    H    E

Highline      4   0   7   2   1     14   9   0

Tyee           0   0   0   0   0     0    1   4

Winning Pitcher:  Hignite 1-0.  Losing Pitcher:  Grove

Records;  Highline 4-0   Tyee  0-2 

 Seamount Standings

          A cold, wet, drizzly night couldn't cool off the Pirates and neither could Kennedy as Highline shut out the Lancers 6-0 on Monday night.   Lee Carson started and went five innings to get the win.  The Junior right-hander pitched out of several jams with a vast assortment of pitches and some clutch defensive plays from his team.  Highline opened the scoring in the third when Luke Werle singled to right and Jonny Locher drove him home with a double to the warning track.  The Pirates tacked on three more in the fifth on a Werle double and Jacob Hignite's RBI single.  Ryan Brett was hit by a pitch and then Carson hit a bloop single that plated  Brett all the way from first base.  Ryan came in to pitch in the sixth and gave up a walk and a single before settling down and  shut out the side on three strike-outs.  Highline extended the lead  with two more runs in the bottom of the inning. Ryan Lingle and Brandon D'Andrea walked and Locher cracked his second double of the night.  Brett got two more strike-outs in the top of the seventh to complete the shutout and send the Pirate faithful home happy.

          Highline plays a make-up game at Tyee today at 3:30 then travels to Lindbergh on Wednesday.

Kennedy        0  0  0  0  0  0  0        0  3  1

Highline         0  0  1  0  3  2  X        6  7  1

Winning Pitcher:  Lee Carson  1-0  Losing Pitcher:  Sean Narby  1-1.

          Highline's offensive onslaught continued with 16 hits and 15 runs in the League Opener at Hazen Saturday afternoon.  The Pirates scored multiple runs in every frame of the 5 inning contest including a four spot in the top of the first. Jonny Locher lead off with a walk, followed by a Logan Brickell single and a Ryan Brett double.  Lee Carson hit a sac-fly and then  Jacob Hignite and Wade Berg provided RBI hits to plate the third and fourth runs of the game. Highline batted around in  the first for the second straight game and never looked back.  All nine starters, once again, produced at least one base hit each.  Locher was 3-for-4, Brett went 2-for-3, Hignite 2-for-4, Brandon D'Andrea 2-for-2 and Luke Werle was 2-for-4 to lead the multiple hit guys.  Junior, Ryan Lingle was in complete command on the bump pitching 4 innings and giving up only 3 basehits.   Locher finished the game in the fifth surrendering one unearned run.

              With the win, Highline improves it's record to 2-0 on the young season.  Next up is a 7:00 PM contest on Monday night at Moshier Field against Kennedy.  A make up game at Tyee is scheduled for Tuesday. We travel to Lindbergh on Wednesday and a make-up game at Mt. Rainier is set for Thursday.  Highline finishes the week with a league game at Foster on Friday and then we take a few days off for Spring Break.   

                  1  2  3  4  5     R   H   E

Highline    4  2  2  3  4    15   16   1

Hazen       0  0  1  0  1      2     4   4

WP:  Lingle 1-0   LP:  Worgan  0-1

          It didn't take long for Highline to overcome an early two run deficit as the first four Pirate  batters scored  paving the way for a 14-4 route of the Bethel Braves.  Freshman Jonny Locher took a base-on-balls before Jacob Hignite cracked Highline's first homer of the year to tie the score.  A walk to Ryan Brett followed by a double by Lee Carson moved the Pirates ahead for good.  Singles by Brandon D'Andrea, Kasey Daw and Jeff Kemp closed out the inning with Highline ahead 4-2.  Back-to-back doubles from Hignite and Brett produced two more runs in the second on RBI singles from D'Andrea and Wade Berg.  Six more runs were added in the third highlighted by Locher's 3-run "Tater" to straight away centerfield. Luke Werle joined the hit parade with a double which meant that every Pirate starter had at least one basehit for the afternoon.

          Freshman lefty, Jacob Wydick was credited with the win on the hill pitching in relief of Lee Carson who left after two innings.  Ryan Brett closed out the fifth inning sending the 4-A Braves home after the 10-run "Mercy Rule."

          Multiple hit games were produced by, Hignite (2-2 with 3 runs), Brett (3-3 with 3 runs), D'Andrea (2-4) and Kasey Daw (2-2).   Next up for Highline is a Jamboree at Auburn Mountainview at 10:00 AM this morning.  The Seamount League Opener is Tuesday at Tyee.

                  1  2  3  4  5                R   H   E 

Bethel        2  0  2  0  0               4   9   3

Highline      4  2  6  2  x              14  14  1

Bethel:  Amundsen, Flouhet (3) and Ham.  Highline:  Carson, Wydick (3), Brett (5) and Werle.  WP-Wydick (1-0).  LP-Amundsen (0-1).

Attendance 12,250:  Umps  Kevin and Mike: Time of game 2:05.

          After a week of mud, rain, hail and snow, the Pirates were able to put the wraps on "Selection Week 2009."  Thirty ballplayers were chosen to wear the purple and gold this season, only two of which are seniors.  Despite the wet condtions, we managed to be outside everyday finding a dry patch of turf anywhere we could.  Friday's practice culminated in the first intersquad game of the year where the pitchers seemed to dominate until Coach Hubner took the hill and served up a few grapefruits to the hungry Pirates.

          Saturday saw Highline's 12th Annual PacWest Little League Clinic staged at Moshier  Field.  Just as the first group was taking the field it started to snow.  Fortunately, we had an "In" with one of the campers Dad's and the whole production moved inside to the cozy confines of Highline's lower gym.  Hats off to the Pirate squad for keeping everyone safe and free fom injury in that somewhat cramped facilty. 

          This week is full of activity.  Tuesday we will have another intersquad game with umpires who have volunteered their services for the day.  Following the game there will be a parents meeting at 6:15 somewhere in the high school. The location will be announced tomorrow night (Monday).  It's our hope that at least one parent from each players family will be in attendance.  Schedules, elligibility, away game driving, road trips, parental conduct as well as the Safeco Field promotion will be discussed.

          Ready or not, Friday is the opening game of the season.  We host Bethel High School's Varsity and JV at 4:00 PM.  After the game there will be an all-team (and family) barbecue at the field.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks and assorted junk food are on the menu.

          Saturday is the jamboree. The Varsity is at Auburn Mountainview and JV is at Auburn Riverside. There's a pancake breakfast for the Varsity at 8:30 AM ($5 donation), and then we play at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.  The JV plays at 10:00 and 1:00 also. We need parent drivers for this event and forms will be handed out at the parents meeting. Carpooling will leave Moshier at 8:00 AM.  After the jamboree, another event will be taking place with details still being firmed up but finalized by Tuesday.

          And finally...check out the following link with details about our two Pirate alumni who are playing a big part at the University of Washington.  Brendan Gardner-Young is the starting centerfield for the Dawgs and Ben Guidos had a spectacular outing last week on the hill. Ben is also writing a blog focusing on the Husky baseball experience.  http://www.gohuskies.com/sports/m-basebl/wash-m-basebl-body.html

          The spring season is finally here. Highline Hardball is "up and running"  and we are going to have a blast!

          As "Selection Week" approaches, several items of importance need to be focused upon...

Thursday, February 26th:  Sports Physicals are available for $20 in the HHS Nurses Office.  If you are uncertain about the expiration date of your previous sports physcial, see Gracie in the attendance office.

Friday, February 27th:  All paper work is due in the attendance office if you are expecting to participate on day one (March 2) and be eligible for the first game of the season.

Monday, March 2nd:  First day of tryouts and the annual one mile run.

Wednesday, March 4th:  First Cuts.

Friday, March 6th:  Final Cuts.

Saturday, March 7th:  Annual PacWest Little League Clinic from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  All HHS players are required to participate in at least 1/2 of the clinic to be eligible to play in the season opener.

Friday, March 13th:  Season Opener VS Bethel High School at Moshier Field.  Both JV and Varsity 3:30 game time.

Saturday, March 14th:  Jamboree at Auburn Mountainview (Varsity) and Auburn Riverside (JV).  A Team Party will be held after the Jambo at Lake Tapps (details forthcoming).

 Tuesday, March 17th:  Seamount League Opener with Highline at Tyee.

     The required items for participation are...

1.  Current Physical

2.  Signed Baseball Rules & Participation Contract

3.  ASB Card

4.  No outstanding fines

     Inevitably a few propsects are not ready to go because they have not taken care of business.  Please know that the coaching staff will be extremely disappointed in any potential player who does NOT have the above mentioned requirements in order.  We have NO margin for error since the first game is March 13th.  Everyone expects the Baseball Coaching Staff to be ready for the first day, and we expect the same from you!

          The annual baseball sign-up meeting has been scheduled for next Tuesday, February 10th in the HHS cafeteria at 2:10 PM.  All of the necessary paperwork will be available as well as a time-table of what's happening the first few weeks of the season.  This is the only meeting allowable for coaches to meet with prospective players and discuss the upcoming season.  It is very important that all players attend this event whether you are a returner or not.  If you are participating in Winter sports at Highline and you need to be at practice at that time, other arrangements can be made.  You will need to contact the baseball coaching staff prior to February 10th.

          Hopefully, everyone has been involved in off-season workouts.  We get underway in less than four weeks and there is really no excuse for coming into "Selection Week" unprepared.  

          Highline, Junior Ryan Brett has been selected as a preseason High School All American Honorable Mention by Louisville Slugger.  Twentysix players from Washington State were selected to the 2009 squad.  He is the 6th Highline Pirate to achieve this honor in the past 7 years.  Other Pirates include Nic Crosta (2002), Marcus Faulkner (2004), Ben Guidos (2006), David Wagner (2007) and Brendan Gardner-Young (2007).  Faulkner was the only Pirate to earn "First Team" honors. 

          Other Washington All-Americans are  Adam Chambers (Puyallup), Andy Smith (North Kitsap), Benjamin Huff (Fife), Brady Stieger (South Kitsap), Bret DeRooy (Woodinville), Brett Jacobs (Richland), Brian Wolfe (Snohomish), Cameron Boozer (Fife), Chase Anselment (Meadowdale), Chet Thompson (Gig Harbor), Chris Johnson (Meadowdale), Colin Montague (South Kitsdap), Eric Peterson (Liberty), Jake Lamb (Blanchet), James Robbins (Shorecrest), Jeff Ames (Skyview), Josh Sale (Blanchet), Kyrell Hudson (Evergreen/Vancouver), Michael Englund (Eastside Catholic), Nick Palowicz (Ballard), Paul Clingan (Mountlake Terrace), Richie Ochoa (Friday Harbor), Tony Bryant (Kennewick) and Travis Cook (Cedarcrest).

          Even though Ryan Brett has commited to the Washington Huskies, the attention he is generating has never before been seen at Highline.  Click on  "video"  and then "play" of the following link and you can see for yourself...

http://www.bluechipsportsvideo.com/athletesProfile.php?42acde5884d1e7c8a9f1cdc58e823062&client=682&sort=&pg=0#

          For all future "Blue Chippers" please note that Brett mentions the name of his high school whenever possible.  It's a source of pride to him and his coaches and we appreciate it.

            Jonny Locher finished up in Guatamala with a .571 batting average with two doubles and two triples as Team USA  went undefeated, won the Gold Medal and outscored their opponents 102-1 in six games.  Jonny was named 1st team right fielder for the tournament.  He also pitched one inning of scoreless ball registering two strikeouts.

          We are less than three months away from "Selection Week" at Highline.  Don't let the Holidays lull you into thinking you can let up.  Off season workouts are what make the difference between "good teams" and "average teams" and Highline can not afford to be "average."

          Junior, Ryan Brett has verbally commited to attending and playing baseball at the University of Washington.  A substantial scholarship was offered when Ryan made an official visit to "The U" back in August.  Along with fellow Pirates Ben Guidos (2005) and Brendan Gardner-Young (2006), Highline will enjoy a fairly significant presence on the Husky roster in 2011.  An interest in staying close to home and a long time desire to be a Husky prompted Brett to opt for the "Purple and Gold."  Several northwest schools were actively courting Ryan including, WSU, Gonzaga, Oregon, Oregon State and Lewis Clark State.  Stanford and Arizona also expressed interest.    Part of the reason for this high interest was Ryan's performance at Baseball Northwest last summer.  After trying out and participating in the inter-state series, Brett was ranked as the third highest member of Washington State's Class of 2010.   The full list can be viewed by clicking on the following link...

http://www.baseballnorthwest.com/News%20Articles/washington_2010_top_players.html

           Highline's Jonny Locher has been selected to play for the 14 and under USA National Team.  He will be traveling to Guatemala next week as part of an 18 man roster and playing other national teams from Mexico, Central America and South America.  Jonny went through a highly competitive tryout back in August and was  the only player chosen from the northwest.   The caliber of competition Jonny will face can only help make him a stronger Pirate this coming Spring.    Off season workouts are available from several locations and it's not too early to start getting in shape for 2009.  Click on the following links for a related story regarding Locher's selection to the USA Team and the USA National Team website.

http://www.baseballnorthwest.com/

http://web.usabaseball.com/teams/index.jsp?team=2496