Hanly's Efforts Fall Short in Cruisers' Loss to Lakes

In a hard-fought battle on the diamond, the Eatonville Cruisers faced off against the Lakes Lancers on Tuesday, April 2nd, resulting in a 3-0 loss for the Cruisers at home. The loss marks the seventh consecutive setback for the Cruisers this season.

Eatonville's Payton Hanly delivers a pitch against the Lakes Lancers. Hanly, a Centralia Community College commit, blanked the Lancers through 5 innings recording nine strikeouts. Photo: Sarah Rath.

The game remained deadlocked through the first five innings, with both teams struggling to gain an advantage. Despite starting the game feeling under the weather, Eatonville's Payton Hanly delivered a resilient performance on the mound, limiting the Lancers to just three hits and striking out nine batters. However, after reaching a pitch count of 90, Hanly was relieved by Owen Archer, who faced tough opposition from Lakes' offense.

Lakes broke the scoreless tie in the top of the sixth inning, capitalizing on a double by pitcher Aaron Miller to drive in a run. An error further boosted Lakes' lead, with a subsequent wild pitch extending their advantage to three runs.

Offensively, Michael Stogsdill provided the lone bright spot for the Cruisers, notching two singles to left and center fields, the only Cruiser hits of the game.

Aaron Miller secured the win for Lakes, while Owen Archer was credited with the loss for Eatonville.

Looking ahead, the Cruisers aim to turn their fortunes around as they prepare to face the Vashon Pirates at home on Monday, April 8th, at 4 p.m. They will then continue their quest for a league victory as they host the Montesano Bulldogs on Tuesday, April 9th, at 3 p.m. The week concludes with a doubleheader against the Hoquiam Grizzlies on Saturday, April 13th, with the first game slated to begin at noon.