After an inconsistent start to the year, the JV Wildcats have now won 4 of their last 5, and look stronger than ever.

“We turned our bats on in the last 3 games, our hitting was better, our base running wasn’t great, but better and that just comes with more games,” Said sophomore middle infielder Carter Lam. In the 3 game stretch mentioned, from 4/21 to 4/26, Wilsonville scored 33 runs in total, in comparison to just 8 runs in the 3 games before that.

A good example of what’s caused this offensive explosion is Wilsonville’s 2nd game in their series vs La Salle Prep. Wilsonville walked 7 times excluding the times they were hit by the pitch, and struck out 5 times, 3 if you exclude the 6th and final inning in the 12-2 blowout. “We’ve focused on finding that pitch you can hit, that money pitch you can drive and put where you want it to, and not reaching while you’re ahead of the count,” Said sophomore catcher Christian Epping.

A difference of a few runs in the La Salle series was the play of both catchers on defense. The La Salle catcher and pitchers couldn’t get in sync on some pitches, which resulted in some players stealing home on a lost ball. Epping and his pitchers meanwhile, had the occasional misstep, but were still able to contain the La Salle offense.

It’s not just been Epping defensively however, as the pitching has been vital in the Wildcats holding their opponents to 2 runs or less in their last 3 games. “I wouldn’t say the catching game was that much of a difference maker, I would give credit to our offense and pitching staff for shutting them down,” said Epping.

Wilsonville will now try and split their back to back with Canby, after losing the first game 1-0. In their previous 2 game series this season, both teams took a game, however Wilsonville’s defense didn’t look their best, allowing 14 runs and 11 runs. “Defensively I don’t think much has changed, I think it’s our mindset, and being able to stay energized throughout the game.” Said Lam.

Wilsonville host Canby in the 2nd game Wednesday, May 3rd at 4:30 PM, then get a rest before a game vs Hood River Valley at home at 6:30 on Monday, May 15th.