Photos by Phoebe Becker – Travis “T-Bone” Way got the win on the mound for the Cubs in Wednesday’s playoff opener.

South Fork sophomore Travis Way has been pressing his head coach for some playing time on the mound all season and on Wednesday evening he finally got his wish.

And on the biggest stage of all, Way did not disappoint, leading the Cubs to an opening–round win in the North Coast Section Division-6 playoffs.

Fondly known as “T-Bone,” the Cubs sophomore pitched the final three innings for the win, as the South Fork boys comfortably took care of business against Victory Christian Academy in Miranda and won 11-1 in five innings.

“The kid was just pounding the zone today,” South Fork head coach Chris Contreras said. “He’s been chomping at the bit all year, begging me to pitch all year and calling himself the ace. I finally gave him the opportunity and he went with it. He pitched really well today.”

Way allowed one hit in the three innings and struck out four, throwing just 30 pitches in a dominating performance.

Several South Fork players impressed at the plate, including senior Justin Freitas, who finished 2-for-3 with a home run and scored two runs.

Trevor Hunt, who “continues to see the ball well,” according to his coach, also had a good game at the plate and finished 2-for-2 with a run, while Josey Paula was 1-for-3 and had a key three-run double that helped the home team take control of the game.

Broc Contreras also was 2-for-3 with a run and Luke Genolio was 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs.

Freitas got the start on the hill for the Cubs, but didn’t have his best stuff.

The senior threw two innings and gave up one hit and five walks for a no decision.

After giving up a run in the top of the first, Freitas hit a solo home run in the bottom of the inning to quickly tie the game and get his team’s offense going.

Both Freitas and Way induced a lot of groundouts and allowed their defense make the plays behind them.

“My defense today played lights out,” Chris Contreras said. “I’m definitely stoked we’re playing better defensively.”

The Cubs did not make any errors.

Victory Christian out of Santa Rosa is only in its second year playing baseball and features a young roster without any seniors.

The win for the No. 2 seeded Cubs in the D-6 bracket sets up a semifinal showdown against No. 3 Point Arena in Miranda on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.

The Point Arena boys shut out Tomales 10-0 in their playoff opener on Wednesday.

If the Cubs win on Saturday, they could face No. 1 Ferndale in an all-local championship showdown next Wednesday.