File photo – The Del Norte Warriors

An exciting game ended without a winner on Thursday, as the Del Norte Warriors tied Etna 4-4 to close out the Shasta tournament.

The Warriors twice battled back from deficits before the game was called because of a time limit, ending a five-game losing streak for Del Norte.

With his team trailing 2-1 in the top of the sixth, Del Norte’s Ethan Thomas hit a two-RBI pinch-hit single to score teammates Sylas Sampels and Kanyon Starkey.

Etna, however, would re-take the lead with two more runs in the bottom of the sixth, but the Warriors would battle back again when Cole Blackburn scored Willie Bommelyn on an RBI-double in the seventh and final inning.

“We showed some fight in the seventh,” head coach Brandon Coborn said. 

The tie ended three days of action at the tournament for Del Norte, with Sampels and teammate Collin Tromble both enjoying breakout performances over in Redding.

“I was really impressed with how they played over the three games,” Coborn said of the emerging duo who are seeing more playing time after some strong practices recently. “They’ve been really coming along.”

Sampels led the team at the plate on Thursday and was 2-for-3, while Brody Mattz was 1-for-3 with a double.

Freshman Kanyon Starkey got the start on the mound and allowed two earned runs on two hits in two innings work.

Preston Daniels threw four innings in relief and struck out seven while allowing two unearned runs on two hits and two walks.

This was the second multi-game road trip of the spring for the Warriors, who are now 6-7-1, and afterwards Coborn expressed his gratitude to the Del Norte community for making it possible.

“I want to give a shoutout to the Del Norte community, parents, fans, friends, sponsors, boosters,” the coach said. “They have really helped us with fundraising this year that has allowed us to go to Chico and the tournament in Redding.”

Next up, the Warriors play Hidden Valley in Crescent City on Friday afternoon at 4 p.m.