"Baseball falls from first" -- April 25, 2006

By C. Jennings Breakey
The Western Front

Home runs lifted Western’s club baseball team to victory this weekend, but not before the team suffered a heartbreaking loss.

The Vikings outscored the Seattle University Redhawks 37-6 in a three-game series sweep two weeks ago, but lost 7-6 to the Redhawks in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday at Joe Martin Field. The team rebounded to win the second game.

The two-game split dropped the Vikings’ to second place with a 9-2 record in the Pacific Mountain Conference, while Seattle University came away with a 4-8 record and third place in the conference.

“We came into this game knowing we were going to kill them, and they came out swinging,” said senior left fielder Mikel Lenox, who is hitting .385 with nine stolen bases this season. “We shot ourselves in the foot, but by the same token, I think it will jump start us to play harder.”

The loss to Seattle crippled Western’s postseason hopes because the University of Oregon is in first place in the conference.

The Vikings must win three out of four games at Oregon this weekend to secure a regional playoff bid, Johnson said.

“It adds a little bit of pressure, but as a team we just need to go into every game understanding that if we take care of our job today, things are going to work out for us,” Johnson said. “We just got a little bit tougher of a job to take care of.”

The Redhawks knocked around Viking starting pitcher Brandon Boyd in the first two innings, rocking him for seven earned runs.

Boyd pitched the rest of the game, holding Seattle scoreless, while striking out five.

Boyd entered the game with a 2-2 record and 2.70 ERA.

“I had a couple rough innings at the beginning and didn’t get it done,” Boyd said. “They were sitting on my fastball and watching my curveball a lot, so I decided to throw the changeup. I think that’s when the game changed around.”

Western scored a 12-2 victory over the Redhawks in the second game, with a solo home run and a two-run shot from senior designated hitter Ryan Kauffman and junior first baseman Eric Peterson, respectively.

Western head coach Michael Johnson said the Vikings started the first game slowly because they crushed the Redhawks in their last meeting April 9.

The Vikings worked to get solid hits after falling behind early to the Redhawks, which distracted the team from their strategy of stealing bases and bunting, Johnson said.

“I think our minds just kind of slipped,” he said. “We came out in the second game and switched the mindset. We came back to the basics as opposed to trying to do too much too quick.”

Western senior pitcher Andrew Irvine pitched a complete game in the second game, allowing two runs in six innings.

Irvine entered the game 3-0 with a 2.08 ERA and struck out five batters by keeping hitters off-balance through the game by varying the speed of his pitches, Johnson said.

Kauffman’s home run came in the third inning with Western leading 7-0. He worked the count to 2-1 and then smashed Redhawk freshman pitcher Paul Massart’s pitch over the left field fence.

Kauffman was batting .333 going into Saturday’s games.

“I was just telling myself to try to go the other way because I get pull happy and roll over on balls,” Kauffman said. “It was the right height and the right spot I guess, and I got it on the barrel.”

Peterson, who entered the game hitting .405 with 14 RBIs, homered for the third time this season in the fourth inning with a shot over the right field fence.

C. Jennings breakey / The Western Front

Western sophomore catcher Matt Fink looks on during the Vikings 7-6 loss to Seattle University Saturday at Joe Martin Field.

"Vikings terrorize base paths" -- April 14, 2006

By C. Jennings Breakey
The Western Front

Opposing players habitually shout “leadoff, leadoff” when Western’s club baseball team senior outfielders Matt Rhode or Mikel Lenox step into the batter’s box, signaling the beginning of the Viking batting order.

Those words mean bring in the infield, watch for the bunt and make sure to field the ball cleanly because Rhode and Lenox probably won’t hit it out of the infield, Rhode said.

While opponents use this strategy to neutralize their speed to get on base, Rhode and Lenox grin when infielders creep toward home.

“(The infielders) know what’s going on, it’s in the back of their minds,” Rhode said. “I love the challenge of people knowing what I’m going to do. See if you can stop me. I thrive off that.”

Lenox, who plays left field, is hitting .385 with nine stolen bases this season and said his and Rhode’s speed stretches singles into doubles and allows hitters behind them to pick up RBIs.

The Vikings are 12-3 this season and are first place in the Pacific Mountain Conference with a 7-1 record.

Rhode said their quickness causes defenders to fumble and make erratic throws to first base.

“We’re constantly putting pressure on the other team,” said Rhode, who plays center field and is hitting .353 this season with eight stolen bases. “(Our speed) takes a toll on both fielders and pitchers.”

Other teams, such as rival the University of Oregon Ducks, rely on hitting to move base runners because they don’t have speedy players, giving the Vikings an advantage, Rhode said.

When either Rhode or Lenox are on base, their potential to steal bases diverts the opposing pitcher’s attention from the batter.

“It brings another element that other teams don’t have,” Rhode said. “Anytime a pitcher is not totally concentrating on the batter, it’s just to our benefit.”

They alternate between hitting first and ninth in the lineup, Rhode said.

In the fifth inning of the first game of a doubleheader last weekend against Seattle University, Lenox broke from third base for home and slid safely across the plate. It was his third stolen base of the game and fourth of the weekend.

“A single for me or Rhode is as good as a double,” he said. “If Rhode or I are on second, no matter what the base hit is, we’re going to score on it.”

Speed is a bragging right for the pair, and Rhode said they made a friendly bet at the beginning of the season to try to steal more bases than the other.

The only prize is respect, but the bet encourages positive competition between the two, Rhode said.

“It drives us to be better hitters and to get more stolen bases,” Lenox said.

Lenox said they made an agreement at the beginning of the season with Western club head coach Michael Johnson about stealing bases during games.

He said the two have permission to steal bases at will because Johnson trusts their ability and judgments. Opposing catchers haven’t thrown out Rhode or Lenox once this season.

Johnson said letting Rhode and Lenox run wild on the base paths is exciting for the two outfielders because they get to determine their stolen base statistics.

“They have an understanding of the game and know when there’s an appropriate time to run and an appropriate time not to,” Johnson said. “Knowing that gives me more confidence in giving them the green light.”

Johnson said Rhode is always vocal in the dugout.

Whether the team needs to solidify their defense or be smarter at the plate, Rhode is the first to say so, Johnson said.

Rhode wants the Viking team to reach the National Club Baseball Association World Series beginning May 24 in Niles, Ohio.

“I could care less about how many stolen bases, how many home runs I hit,” Rhode said. “If I end the season with 13 stolen bases but we’re going to the World Series, that’s all that matters. I’ve had decent years and we haven’t gone. I’d trade (the years) in a heartbeat.”

C. Jennings breakey / The Western Front

Western senior center fielder Matt Rhode (left) and senior left fielder Mikel Lenox (right) cause opponents problems while running the bases for Vikings club baseball team.

"Pitcher, father leads Vikings’ staff" -- April 7, 2006

By C. Jennings Breakey
The Western Front


Scattered throughout the Bellingham Sportsplex, Western club baseball players hit balls in the netted batting cage, take grounders on the artificial turf field and pitch off the black rubber floor at practice the evening of March 30.

The players looked focused yet relaxed, poking fun at each other between repetitions. But senior pitcher Brandon Boyd, 24, looked slightly distracted while talking with teammates.

Boyd’s eyes wander to his right and left, peering between a handful of teammates until he finally spots the green eyes of his 20-month-old- son Braiden.

The brown-haired boy wears a tiny black baseball mitt, a Boston Red Sox cap, a fuzzy, gray army fleece and smiles cheerfully with chubby cheeks. He is the only child among Western’s players and coaches.

“You don’t want to eat that, that’s not yours,” Boyd said to Braiden as his son tried to nibble leftover cracker crumbs on one of the Sportsplex’s tables.

As Boyd brushed off the table and wiped Braiden’s mouth with his sleeve, he said his son has more interests than other people’s food.

“He’s really into dinosaurs right now,” said Boyd, who’s majoring in physical science and health. “We just bought a couple new dinosaur books today. That’s what he was doing before we came to practice.”

Boyd anchors the baseball club’s pitching staff with a 2.13 ERA. The Viking starter was a 2005 first team all-region pitcher.

When the two arrived at the Sportsplex, Boyd jumped into doing what he loves — pitching. While the right-hander rarely gets rattled on the mound, his son gave him more mental toughness.

“I’m more relaxed out there,” Boyd said. “Since I have a son, it’s not that big of a deal. There are more important things. I don’t get nervous playing sports anymore.”

Boyd, who is engaged to fiance Amber DeRouchey, who is Braiden’s mother, said Braiden’s favorite thing to do on the baseball field is stepping on the bases after games.

Boyd said balancing baseball with parenthood is tough because of time conflicts, but Western senior pitcher Ryan Kauffman said he’s risen to the occasion on both ends.

“He’s super mature for his age,” Kauffman said. “He’s juggling everything right now. He’s like our fourth coach. That’s the way we think of him.”

Boyd has classes at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., but he said that’s when his day starts. Because Boyd and DeRouchey share a car, he picks up Braiden after school and drops DeRouchey off at the Bellingham Beauty School, where she attends class, for the evening.

When he found out he was going to be a dad while pursuing a degree, Boyd said he was a little overwhelmed.

“I was like, ‘Wow, this is too much to handle,’ ” he said. “I have to give him attention, too.” Studying all day is no longer an option, Boyd said.

He has balanced a grueling schedule and spending time with Braiden, he said.

“I get to spend the whole afternoon together with him,” he said. “We get close.”

Kauffman supervised Braiden while Boyd pitched during practice. He said he enjoys the little left-hander’s company.

“It’s just a lot of fun to have him around,” Kauffman said. “I wish he was a little older because we would have him in the dugout.”

Head coach Michael Johnson said Boyd’s fatherly maturity shows just as much on the field as it does off.

“It definitely rolls over onto the field the way he presents himself on the mound,” he said. “He’s always looking to set a good example for his son.”

Johnson said every sports-minded father’s dream is to have his kid grow up and play the sport he played when young.

From what the Vikings’ players and coach observe, Boyd’s dream will come true, Johnson said.

“He’s (Braiden) got a bright future ahead of him from what we can see,” he said. “The kid has got a great father to teach him how to play the game.”

C. Jennings breakey / The Western Front

Western senior pitcher Brandon Boyd plays with his 20-month-old son, Braiden, during practice at the Bellingham Sportsplex March 30.

"Home, Sweet, Homer -- Vikings split with Ducks after walk-off home run" -- April 4, 2006

By C. Jennings Breakey
The Western Front

Western club baseball players say every game between the University of Oregon Ducks and the Vikings isn’t decided until the last inning. Sunday’s games at Bellingham High School came down to the last pitches.

In the second game of a double-header, Western junior shortstop Chris Peterson hit a two-out, walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning in Western’s 1-0 victory.

Peterson’s home run over the left field fence gave the Vikings, 9-3 overall, possession of first place in the Pacific Mountain Conference with a 4-1 league record.

The teams played the doubleheader Sunday after cancelling Saturday’s game because of rain.

Senior pitcher Ryan Kauffman pitched the game of his Viking career, head coach Michael Johnson said, throwing a complete game while striking out six and allowing only four hits in Western’s 1-0 victory.

“They didn’t prove they could hit my fastball so I kept throwing it, keeping it down in the strike zone, moving the ball around,” Kauffman said.

Peterson’s home run kept the game from going to extra innings, Kauffman said.

“It pretty much came out of nowhere because nobody was hitting hard off their pitcher,” Kauffman said. “Chris didn’t know it was a home run until he was to second base because his head was down, running.”

The Ducks fell to 1-1 in league play and 10-1 overall after Sunday’s games.

The teams played the second game at Bellingham High School.

In the seventh inning of the first game at Joe Martin Field, Western senior left fielder Matt Rhode narrowed the Duck’s lead to 8-6 with a double off the left field wall that scored senior third baseman Andrew Irvine from second base. The Vikings loaded the bases when Western senior second baseman Lincoln Beppu walked.

Western sophomore right fielder Kevin Roach stepped into the batter’s box, worked the count to 3-2 and fouled off two full-count pitches. Roach, who came into the game hitting .400 with 10 RBIs, popped out to left field, ending the Viking’s seventh inning rally.

“You’re either extremely excited or extremely down throughout these close games,” Johnson said. “We played well, but they just played better.”

The Ducks scored early, touching Viking senior starting pitcher Brandon Boyd for four unearned runs in the first inning. Irvine’s throw from third base pulled first baseman Eric Peterson off first base allowing the inning to continue.

Down 4-0, the Vikings loaded the bases in the third inning. Irvine, then hit an infield single deep into the hole at shortstop, scoring Roach from third.

Peterson followed Irvine with a double to the left-center field gap, scoring two more Vikings and placing runners on second and third.

Western scored its final run of the inning on a wild pitch, tying the score at 4-4.

The Ducks scored three in the fifth inning and one in the seventh inning to take an 8-5 lead. A lead the Vikings would not overcome.

“Early on we gave them a couple extra outs,” Rhode said. “They shouldn’t have scored any runs in the first inning.”

Peter than / The Western Front

Above: Members of Western’s men’s baseball club celebrate Sunday after shortstop Chris Peterson hit a game-winning home run at Bellingham High School. The Vikings won the second game of Sunday’s doubleheader after dropping the first game to Oregon 8-6. Below: Viking relief pitcher Zak Van Winkle warms up between games.

"Western club baseball hits the field, Red hot Vikings look to smoke Oregon Ducks" -- March 31, 2006

By C. Jennings Breakey
The Western Front

Heavy machinery, shovels and cones surround Joe Martin Field off Lakeway Drive, the home of Western’s club baseball team. Dirt and mud spot the ground outside the stadium and a sign hangs over a gate that reads, “Danger, Construction Area, Keep Out.”

Western head baseball coach Mike Johnson said Joe Martin Field is in for a rumble this weekend.

Ranked No. 9 in the National Club Baseball Association poll the Vikings will host the No. 4 University of Oregon Ducks in a three game series beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday with the first game of a doubleheader. The final game of the series is at noon on Sunday.

“It’s going to determine basically where we’re going to stand,” he said. “First place in our conference, or fall out of the race.”

The Vikings enter the weekend series with a record of 8-2. The Ducks are 9-0.

Johnson said the two teams make up one of the association’s most heated rivalries on the West Coast because both are consistently at the top of the league. This weekend’s games may determine the rest of Western’s season.

He said he wants a three-game sweep of the Ducks. Because of Western’s strong pitching, balanced lineup and speed Johnson said his team has a chance.

A three-man pitching rotation of seniors Brandon Boyd, Andrew Irvine and Ryan Kauffman, pitch for the Vikings. Johnson said Irvine and Kauffman are player-coaches and are the backbone of the team.

“We’re a team that revolves around our pitching,” he said. “The new guys that have come in this season have stepped up to the plate and pitched very well.”

Using an effective curveball and changeup to compliment his fastball, Boyd is 1-1 and has yet to allow an earned run this year, Johnson said.

Irvine possesses the most finesse among Viking starters because he doesn’t over power batters, Johnson said. Irvine is 3-0 on the season with a 2.08 ERA.

Kauffman, the power pitcher of the bunch, has a 3.21 ERA and leads the team with 14 innings pitched and 19 strikeouts, Johnson said.

“In the past we’ve had to rely quite a bit on our offense,” Johnson said. “But this season I feel like it’s our defense that’s going to hold us together, with pitching.”

Offensively Johnson said the team plays small-ball and relies on bunts, hit-and-runs, stolen bases and base hits.

“I love playing baseball like that,” said Western senior outfielder Matt Rhode, who’s hitting .400 with three doubles this season. “I think that’s the way baseball should be played. We’re bunting people around, trying to take the extra base. There’s a lot more strategy to it.”

Rhode, a speedster who’s stolen six bases in 10 games without being thrown out, bats leadoff for the team.

Senior second baseman Lincoln Beppu bats second and is hitting .400 with eight RBIs.

Beppu is responsible for making contact with pitches and moving runners along with bunts or ground balls, he said.

Batting third in the line-up is sophomore third baseman and pitcher Kevin Roach, who’s the team’s closer and leads the team with a .522 average, two triples and 10 RBIs. Roach leads the Vikings with seven walks.

While small-ball is the team’s offensive mentality, Western still has two sluggers at the heart of its lineup, Johnson said.

Senior Eric Peterson and sophomore Mike Morris hit in the four and five slots in the lineup, and rotate between playing first base and designated hitter.

Peterson’s batting average is .500 with two home runs and 12 RBIs, earning him the offensive player of the week award the first and second weeks of the season.

Morris is second among fielders in runs scored with 11 and is hitting .300 with one home run.

“They are our powerhouses,” said Kauffman, who will start the final game of the three-game series Sunday. “Those are the guys who hit the ball out of the ballpark for us.”

If Western heads into the last two innings of a game with a lead, the team feels comfortable because Roach will take the mound as the Vikings closer, Johnson said.

Roach is 1-0 and has a 2.84 ERA to go along with the team’s only save.

“Pitching is going to carry us as far as our team can go,” Kauffman said. “He’s (Roach) got all the pitches and all the confidence to go out there and go one, two, three every time.”

With Oregon’s powerful, hard-hitting lineup coming to town, Western’s pitching staff must remain sharp this weekend, and the Vikings must stick to their small-ball strategy, Rhode said.

“Oregon is a slug-it-out type of team,” he said. “They’re going to be a team that’s going to get up there and just swing. I think our pitching can neutralize them, but we don’t want to get into something where we’re trying to put up the same amount of runs as them, because we’ll lose that battle.”

Rhode said when he steps to the plate in the first game Saturday, he’ll be thinking about getting on base any way he can, not just how hard he can hit the ball.

“When we win is when we’re playing our game,” he said. “(We) make them adjust to what we’re doing.”

C. Jennings Breakley / The Western Front

Ryan Kauffman pitches to matt Rhode while Matt Fink catches at baseball practice Tuesday.