Timberline pitcher Nevaeh Haagen dominated in the circle against rival North Thurston, striking out 15 batters in a complete-game shutout as the Blazers prevailed 8-0.
She also debuted in a leadoff spot in the lineup, driving in a run on a sacrifice and scoring three times.
“We wanted to try something new today and see if we could shake some things up further down our lineup,” Timberline head coach Lynsi Polanco said of the move. “Finding that sweet spot as we prepare for the postseason is our goal moving forward these last two weeks.”
The Blazers got some help from Leovi Meno-Meyers in the first inning as her sacrifice bunt forced an error to score Haagen. In the second, the 7-8-9 hitters in the Timberline lineup loaded the bases with no outs for Haagen, who grounded into a fielder’s choice to score the second run.
After Abigail Terry came home on a passed ball, Meno-Meyers came up clutch again with another bunt, this time reaching base and scoring another run. An RBI triple by Kayleese Dorfner and an RBI double by Brookelyn Read put two more on the scoreboard in the fifth, and Timberline added two in the seventh.
Read finished 3 of 4 at the plate, while Meno-Meyers and Brynnli Mayr each recorded two hits.
Haagen only allowed four baserunners, including three hits, all game. At one point, she struck out six batters in a row.
“Nevaeh pitched great today. She hit her spots and threw a mix of pitches to keep them off balance,” Polanco said.
Sara Halterman delivered two of North Thurston’s three hits, while Nevaeh Haagen’s cousin, Isabella Haagen, hit a double.
“I told the girls we needed to have timely hits and try to get deep into the count, great at bats and see more pitches,” North Thurston head coach Sam Harding said. “They did a great job at that. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t good timing with runners in scoring position, but we definitely had opportunities. Haagen is so tough in the circle. She’s the best we face all season, and she brought it all game long.”
Timberline (12-3, 12-1 Puget Sound League) will visit Montesano for a Friday night non-league matchup. North Thurston (8-6, 5-5 PSL) will visit Capital (2-11, 2-9 PSL) Thursday.
