MARYSVILLE — The Arlington Eagles got swept in their recent three-game series against the Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks, but there is still an opportunity for the Eagles to make post-season play.
The series started on Tuesday, April 26, at M-P when the Tommies pounded the Eagles 10-1. The teams were able to complete one inning on April 27 before the game was suspended due to inclement weather. On Thursday, M-P won 4-1. The final six innings of the game started on April 27 were played on April 29 and the Eagles again fell victim to the Tommies by a score of 5-2.
“This series was important because it would indicate who would be in the driver’s seat for the three seed,” said Eagles coach Eric Heinz, who pointed out that there are three teams now left battling for the fourth spot. “There’s us, Monroe and Stanwood.”
Arlington has its final three-game series of the regular season against Stanwood and the outcome of that series could decide who moves on to Districts.
“We have to win at least two against Stanwood and hope that Marysville at least beats Monroe once,” said Heinz. “If we win all three against Stanwood, then we’re in too.”
Looking back at the series against M-P, Heinz saw his team do some things well, and others not so well.
“I thought our pitching was pretty solid throughout the week,” said Heinz. “And you have to give credit to Marysville’s pitching for doing a god job throwing strikes — they were around the zone the whole time and we just didn’t swing the bats.”
Heinz said that the Eagles’ offense has inconsistent adding, “What’s frustrating about a series like that is we came out in the second game against Monroe [April 20] and exploded for 15 hits and 11 runs. Since then we’ve scored three runs total. We’re hitting the offensive wall right now.”
Heinz praised his pitchers for their play against the Tomahawks.
“Riley Tracey threw a gem on Thursday. He really needed that as he’s been struggling recently so for him to come out and pitch the kind of game he did was great,” said Heinz. “Tyler Wendland mas his first start on the mound in the Wednesday/Friday game and I thought he pitched good enough for us to win but we couldn’t get any runs.”
Looking ahead to his teams final series of the regular season, Heinz said he thinks his team can do well.
“Stanwood, right now, is sitting in last place in the league but whenever we play them it is a huge series,” said Heinz. “It’s our rivalry series and both teams get up to try to beat each other. It’s fitting that this series will determine our season.”
He added, “I think our pitching and defense has been solid enough this year that we should be able to win games. It’s just whether or not our bats show up. I’m hoping that having as big a series as this against our traditional rival will get these kids up and get them going.”
