BEAR RIVER HIGH - By Tate Atkin, Headliner Sports Writer, April 25, 2022
Logan High was no match for the Bear River High baseball team as the Bears demolished the Grizzlies in all three games of their 3-game series.
The first game was played April 13, at Logan High School. The Bears came out on fire offensively scoring seven runs in the first inning. With another four runs scored in the fourth, the Bears cruised to an 11-0 victory.
Senior Ashton Harrow dominated on the mound pitching five shutout innings, only allowing two hits and striking out eight with no walks. Junior Ryker Jeppsen led the Bears with three stolen bases while seniors Hunter Harrow and Garrison Marble led the team with two RBIs.
Bear River hosted a double-header against Logan on April 15. The first game of the double header was more of the same for the Bears pitchers. This time it was senior Hunter Harrow getting the win as he gave up zero runs and just two hits in five innings pitched. He walked one while striking out seven. Jeppsen came in from the bullpen and pitched two innings allowing only one run with three strikeouts. Behind exceptional pitching, great defense, and more success on offense, the Bears took the second game against the Grizzlies 9-1.
Bear River’s offense was clicking and again they scored early and often. The Bears’ offense was led by senior Hunter Smoot, who went 3-for-5, scoring three runs with one RBI. Hunter Harrow went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, one run scored and two stolen bases. Senior Alec Callister added three runs for the Bears.
Before the second game of the double header, the Bear River welcomed many former players to Bear Field as they kept tradition alive connecting the past with the present by celebrating Alumni Night. Wayne Andersen, a 1952 graduate of Bear River High School, was honored and he started things off by throwing out the first pitch.
Continuing the rich tradition of winning at Bear River, the Bears put on another dominating display with sophomore Degan Rigby controlling the game from the mound. He pitched four innings allowing only three hits and one run with ten strikeouts.
The offense was again explosive, scoring five in the first inning and finishing the game with twelve, led by Hunter Harrow who went 3-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and three RBIs. G. Marble went 2-for-2 with a double and two runs. Smoot was 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs.
Last week the Bears played a 3-game series with Green Canyon High. On Tuesday April 19, Bear River visited the Wolves and left with a W, winning 10-3. Again great defense and a high-powered offense was the key to their success. Smoot was unstoppable at the plate going 4-for-5 with three runs. Callister also had himself an afternoon going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and led the team with three stolen bases. G. Marble had a great all-around game and went 1-for-3 with a run scored, an RBI, and two stolen bases, while also managing the game from the catcher position.
The Bears hosted Green Canyon on April 20, in a low scoring, pitching battle until Bear River lit up the scoreboard in the fifth inning scoring five runs on their way to a 6-1 victory. H. Harrow pitched seven innings allowing four hits and one run while striking out six. Smoot continued his hot streak at the plate going 3-for-4 with a run. G. Marble also kept things going as he went 2-for-3, including a triple and two RBIs. A. Harrow went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs.
It is said that all good things must come to an end. That was the case for the Bears as they lost the third game of their series with Green Canyon 6-4, on April 21, ending their undefeated region record.
It was a close game that came down to a couple of key plays. Despite the loss there were many bright spots for the Bears. Sophomore Gehrig Marble went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs. Smoot was 2-for-4 with a run and a stolen base. Ashton Harrow went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.
When asked about the last couple of weeks for the Bears, Head Coach Donald Hawes said, “They have played extremely well. The offense has been very productive. I am very proud of the kids, they keep fighting and are relentless.”
The Bears have set themselves up for a strong finish to the season. Coach Hawes looks forward to the upcoming challenges and has a lot of confidence in this year’s squad.
“We will finish the year playing two great ball clubs, but I like our chances. We control our own destiny,” Hawes said.
Upcoming for the Bears is a 3-game series against Mountain Crest High. The Bears travel to Mountain Crest on Tuesday, April 26, host the Mustangs on Wednesday, April 27, and return to Mountain Crest on Friday, April 29.
They finish the regular season with a 3-game series versus Ridgeline the first week of May with a game at home on Tuesday, May 3, at Ridgeline Wednesday, May 4, and the final game at home on Friday, May 6. All varsity games are scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Photos by John Fronk
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