Pippins Fall in Game 2, Despite Salscheider's Gem
June 4, 2023 - West Coast League (WCL)
Yakima Valley Pippins News Release
LONGVIEW, Washington - It was a night to forget for the Yakima Valley Pippins offense on Saturday, but it was a gem to remember for starting pitcher Evan Salscheider.
Cowlitz beat Yakima Valley 1-0, but the Pippins had a chance to to rally in the ninth. With runners on first and second and one out, CJ Coyler lifted a ball deep down the right-field line that Chase Elliot flagged down for the second out. Both Pippins runners tried to advance on the catch, but Elliot doubled-up Maxim Fullerton at second to end the threat and the game.
The Pippins fell to 1-1 on the young season, with the rubber match against the Black Bears slated for 1:05 p.m. Sunday.
A silver lining for Yakima Valley was the performance of Salscheider, a sophomore from Pierce College. The left-hander tossed a complete game, giving up just one run on four hits. His off-speed slurve ball worked all game long, striking out six.
The contest was one of the quickest in Pippins history, taking just one hour, 54 minutes to complete. Bjon Johnson, the Cowlitz starter and University of Auburn commit, was locked in the pitchers duel with Salscheider, and tossed five innings, giving up just two hits while striking out four. Noah Emboden came on in relief of Johnson, throwing 3.1 innings.
Cowlitz scored the game's lone run in the seventh on a ground ball single up the middle by second baseman Wren Cecil.
After Sunday's game, the Pippins have an off day before opening their home season against Corvallis on Tuesday. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
• Discuss this story on the West Coast League message board...
West Coast League Stories from June 4, 2023
- HarbourCats Walk-Off NorthPaws to Sweep Opening Series - Victoria HabourCats
- Pippins Fall in Game 2, Despite Salscheider's Gem - Yakima Valley Pippins
- HarbourCats Move to 2-0 with Win Over Kamloops - Victoria HabourCats
- Sweets Drop Game 2 in Nanaimo - Walla Walla Sweets
- AppleSox Win Series at Bend - Wenatchee AppleSox
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
