Trojans Snap Cruisers Four-Game Win Streak

The Eatonville Cruiser baseball team entered the week riding the momentum of a four-game winning streak, but that run came to an abrupt halt as Fife controlled both games of a two-game series, handing the Cruisers losses of 12-1 on Monday and 13-7 on Tuesday.

Eatonville catcher Santiago Ruvalcaba, shown here in a game earlier in the season against Lakes, drove in three runs in Tuesday’s game against Fife and supplied the biggest contribution from the middle of the lineup, accounting for a significant portion of the team’s scoring. In a week where hits were limited and the offense struggled at times, his ability to produce runs stands out. Photo: Heather Quirie

Monday’s game started with promise for Eatonville, which scratched across a run in the top of the first inning to take an early lead. The advantage was short-lived, as Fife answered in the bottom half to even the score at 1-1.

For two innings, the game remained within reach before turning sharply in the third. Fife capitalized on a mix of timely hitting and control issues from the Cruisers’ pitching staff, erupting for nine runs on five hits in the inning. The sudden outburst transformed a tight contest into a 10-1 deficit and left Eatonville trying to regroup.

Ben Smith took the loss on the mound, working three innings while allowing 11 runs, six of them earned, on seven hits. He struck out two and walked four. Despite the rough inning, Eatonville’s defense continued to battle, but the early damage proved too significant to overcome.

Offensively, the Cruisers struggled to generate momentum throughout the game, finishing with just two hits. Colton Herbrand and Ryder Herbrand each recorded a hit, but Eatonville was unable to string together enough baserunners to mount a response.

Looking to bounce back Tuesday, the Cruisers instead found themselves in another early hole. Fife struck quickly in the first inning, using a combination of hits and walks to push across multiple runs and seize control. The visitors added two more runs in the second inning and another in the third, building an 8-1 lead and once again putting Eatonville in comeback mode.

Unlike the opener, the Cruisers showed increased fight at the plate in the second game. Demonstrating patience and discipline, Eatonville worked deep counts and drew nine walks, consistently putting runners aboard and creating scoring opportunities.

That persistence paid off as the Cruisers chipped away at the deficit. Santiago Ruvalcaba delivered the biggest swing of the day for Eatonville, driving in three runs from the heart of the lineup. He finished 1 for 3 and provided a steady presence offensively as the Cruisers attempted to rally.

Coleson Simpson, Scout Horan and Ryder Herbrand each contributed a hit, helping keep innings alive. Waylon Berg played a key role in setting the table, drawing three walks and reaching base multiple times as part of Eatonville’s patient approach.

On the mound, the Cruisers used multiple arms to try to slow Fife’s offense. Ryder Herbrand took the loss after a difficult start, allowing five runs in two-thirds of an inning. Colton Herbrand followed with a solid effort in relief, working four and one-third innings while striking out four and helping stabilize the game after the early surge.

Eatonville also showed flashes defensively, turning a double play to halt one Fife threat, but the early deficit once again proved too much to overcome.

Despite the pair of losses, the week was not without positives. The Cruisers continued to show an ability to compete offensively, particularly in the second game, and demonstrated improved plate discipline that could pay dividends moving forward.

Now looking to regroup, Eatonville will aim to reset and rediscover the form that fueled its four-game winning streak. The Cruisers return to action with a two-game set against Steilacoom, hosting the Sentinels on Tuesday before traveling for the series finale the following day, with hopes of getting back into the win column.