The season hasn’t gone exactly as planned for the Auburn High baseball team.
There was the slow start to its South Puget Sound League 3A schedule followed by the surprise resignation of first-year coach Brian Embery.
In the midst of it all, the Trojans have found a way to pick up the pieces and, in the process, earn a share of the league title.
Behind six strong innings from David Olson, a pair of hits from Garrett Rutledge, and a key two-run homer from Andrew Sansom, the Trojans fended off Enumclaw on Monday afternoon, 6-2.
The victory helped the Trojans (10-4 in league, 12-5 overall) earn a share of the division championship with Bonney Lake (10-4, 13-5). Because Auburn lost twice to Bonney Lake, the Panthers earned the division’s top berth into today’s SPSL 3A/Seamount League tournament at Russell Road Park in Kent. The Trojans will take the SPSL’s No. 2 berth and play Seamount No. 2 seed Hazen (12-2, 12-3) at 4 p.m.
It was a big win, Auburn interim coach Gordon Elliott said.
“It made the difference in two ways: It allowed us to be co-league champs and gave us basically a straight shot into district,” Elliott said.
The top three teams from both leagues automatically qualify for the district tournament, which begins Tuesday.The district tourney will be played at various locations.
While several players delivered key performances Monday, none shined brighter than the freshman Sansom, whose two-run blast in the third inning gave the Trojans a 4-0 lead.
“That’s a good shot,” Elliott said. “For a freshman to be able to do that, that’s pretty good.”
Auburn will go with senior right-hander Colton Brown today against Hazen. Brown struck out 16 batters in his last outing, a 5-1 victory against Auburn Riverside last Friday.
Since starting the season 3-2 in league play, the Trojans have won seven of their last nine.
Auburn Riverside will join Auburn at today’s league tournament.
The Ravens (9-5, 13-7) picked up a critical 8-7 win over Franklin Pierce (9-5, 13-7) on Tuesday afternoon in a tiebreaker for third place, which guaranteed the Ravens a spot at district. Auburn Riverside and Franklin Pierce split their two regular-season games.
Auburn Riverside’s Sean Rehon delivered the clutch hit with a two-run double in the fifth inning. Ethan Romondoff picked up the win in relief.
The Ravens will play Highline (10-4, 13-6) today at 1 p.m.
While Auburn Mountainview won’t join Auburn and Auburn Riverside in the playoffs, the Lions finished their season on a high note Monday, beating White River, 4-2. Brandon Williams picked up the win on the mound and added a pair of hits, including a solo home run in the sixth inning.
