Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Action from Saturday’s game between Arcata and Hoopa.

By Ray Hamill — The Arcata Tigers swept a home doubleheader against two Little 4 schools on Saturday, as they continue to build momentum ahead of conference play.

In a pair of games that were scheduled at the last minute, the Tigers defeated South Fork 14-0 in five innings and followed that with a 10-0 win over Hoopa, also in five innings.

Ben Lukens threw a complete-game no-hitter for the win in game two.

The senior team leader allowed just two walks and struck out seven for the win.

However, it’s been a challenging season for longtime head coach Troy Ghisetti and the Tigers, with five players leaving the team in recent weeks for a variety of reasons, including three starters.

But with seven wins in their opening nine games, the Tigers appear capable of challenging anybody in the Big 5 on their their day, with several players stepping up for the shorthanded roster.

That group includes senior Liam Gorona, who got his first high school win on the mound against South Fork, as well as senior Ronnie Rieke, who pitched the final inning of that game to help secure the win.

“It was great to get the two wins,” Ghisetti said. “We’ve had a lot of kids walk from our team and for Gorona to stay in and pitch like he did, it helps.”

The pitcher got plenty of help from an Arcata offense that was clicking on Saturday, including the always dangerous Anthony Ebert, who hit his third home run of the season.

Tanner Kees also had a big game in the opening win and finished 4-for-4, while Finn Warner was 2-for-3.

Ben Lukens, Emilio Medina and Joe Wellik each also had a base hit in the win.

John Stafslien led the way for a young South Fork team and finished 2-for-2, while freshman Mason Bell continued to impress at the high school level and added a base hit and a stolen base.

Check out video highlights of Anthony Ebert’s home run against South Fork below …

Ben Lukens in action against Hoopa.

Travis Way also had a base hit for the Cubs, who dropped to 4-4.

“We had a huge mountain to climb against a superior opponent and could never really get anything going at the plate as a unit,” South Fork head coach Alex Finn said. “We made contact and put the ball in play for the most part but couldn’t string enough hits together to score any runs.”

Five straight walks in the opening inning didn’t help matters for the Cubs.

“Our immaturity really showed today and our veterans need to do a better job being leaders, no matter what the score is,” Finn added. 

With the game out of hand, Finn used the opportunity to give some of his younger players some much-needed game time, which should benefit them moving forward.

Finn also expressed appreciation to Ghisetti and Arcata for setting up the game at the last minute, as both teams scramble to play games after a wet March here on the North Coast.

Ghisetti too was glad to get the games in and expressed his appreciation to both South Fork and Hoopa for making it happen after the Tigers had two scheduled games at West Valley canceled.

“I have to give a shoutout to South Fork and Hoopa for coming up to Arcata High School,” he said. “Those two stepped up within the last two days for us all to get games.

“Hopefully it helps them get ready for league.”

The Arcata players showed up hours before game time to help get the field ready.

“Every kid was driving water off the field and ready to go,” Ghisetti said.

Arcata 10, Hoopa 0

The Warriors matched up well against their Big 5 opponents early in Saturday’s game, but it got away from them when the Tigers scored 10 runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to break open what had been a scoreless game to that point.

And with Lukens dominating on the mound and frustrating the Hoopa bats, that would prove to be more than enough.

Junior Charlie Mager led the way at the plate for the Tigers and finished 2-for-2

Ebert, Lukens, Warner, Medina and Gorona each also had a base hit.

“We swung it well today,” Ghisetti said. “They’re focusing up and we’re in a good place to start league.”

Hoopa ace Lyle McKinnon started the game strong on the mound for the visitors, but the Arcata offense broke the game open with small ball and quickly took control with the big fourth inning.

“Lyle pitched outstanding for Hoopa,” Ghisetti said.

It was a disappointing loss for the Warriors after such a good start to the game.

“I thought we played well defensively until the fourth inning,” Hoopa head coach Aaron Williams said. 

“I thought the Arcata pitcher pitched well and kept our hitters off balance throughout the game.”

With the loss, Hoopa dropped to 3-2.

The Warriors open the Little 4 at South Fork on Tuesday, while the Tigers open the Big 5 with a home doubleheader against Del Norte next Saturday.