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Freshman Ryan Tosten is quickly establishing himself at the varsity level for the South Fork Cubs.
On Friday, Tosten and the Cubs moved into a tie with St. Bernard’s atop the Little 4 standings after taking care of business against Hoopa for the second time in four days.
On Tuesday, they traveled to Hoopa and came away with a 7-4 win, and they followed that with a 13-4 victory on Friday, in a game that was pushed back a day because of the field conditions at South Fork.
And Tosten was front and center in the win, finishing 2-for-3 with a double that almost went for a home run, three RBIs and a stolen base.
For good measure, the youngster also pitched two hitless innings in relief, taking the mound in the fifth with the bases loaded and holding the visitors to one run, while walking two and striking out two.
South Fork head coach Andrew Jacobson described Tosten as “our stud freshman,” adding that both of his hits “were absolutely smoked.”
The loss for the Warriors dropped them to 0-2 in conference and 4-5 overall, while the Cubs improved to 2-0 and 6-7.
Another freshman also impressed for Hoopa.
With injuries affecting the lineup, Axel Tripp started in the lead-off spot for the visitors and did not disappoint.
The youngster finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.
“He stepped into the lead-off role and had two hits and made the plays,” Hoopa head coach Boyd Ferris said. “For a freshman, he had a great day.”
Kael Puno also had a good day for the home team, finishing 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, two RBIs, three runs and a pair of stolen bases, while teammate Sheyne Casey also impressed and finished 1-for-3 with a double, a walk, three runs and four stolen bases.
Cody Wheeler (1-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, two runs and a stolen base), Dorje Johnston (1-for-3 with a run), Travis “T-Bone” Way (two walks, two runs and five stolen bases), John Stafslien (walk, two stolen bases and a run) and Mason Bell (RBI, two runs and three stolen bases) each also contributed for the Cubs.
Way got the start on the mound and pitched four innings, allowing three earned runs on two hits and three walks and striking out six.
Bell closed out the game, pitching the final inning, allowing one hit and striking out two.
According to the South Fork coaches, Casey, Bell and Wheeler all played well defensively.
In addition to the impressive Tripp, Delmer Ferris (1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI) and Brian Richards (1-for-2 with a double and an RBI) each also hit successfully for the Warriors.
Allen Kane and Richards split time on the mound, and both pitched well, according to Boyd Ferris.
However, mental mistakes hurt a young Hoopa team.
“We’re just a young team,” the head coach said. “I think baseball IQ and situational baseball is what’s on our to-do list.”
Despite the mental errors, there were some bright spots for the Warriors, including the pitching.
“The pitching wasn’t bad,” Boyd Ferris said. “Between Brian and Allen they combined to strike out 10.”
The two senior pitchers have been leading the way for their younger teammates this season.
“That’s what I’m asking them to do, to step into that role,” the head coach said. “Definitely, the kids look up to those guys, and Brian is hitting the ball well.”
Next up, the Cubs will play a conference doubleheader at St. Bernard’s on Tuesday, beginning at 2 p.m., with the Little 4 lead on the line, while the Warriors travel to Ferndale for a single game on Tuesday, with first pitch set for 4 p.m.

Categories: baseball, Hoopa Valley, South Fork

















