Big wins for Palmer baseball

JEREMIAH BARTZ/Frontiersman Sports Editor

There was no easy start to the prep baseball season for the Palmer Moose. The Moose were issued with the challenge of facing the defending state champion Kodiak Bears on their own, less than desirable, diamond

And Palmer passed the test.

The Moose swept the Bears in a pair of games in the wet and chilly island weather on the sloppy Kodiak field.

"There is no better way to start the season," Palmer head coach Steve Mossburgh said. "Right out of the chute, playing in the first games of the year and beating the defending state champions on their home field."

The Moose topped Kodiak 6-4 on Friday and 8-6 on Saturday.

Joe Smith registered a pair of wins on the mound for the Moose. Smith earned the win on Friday, despite struggling during his two innings of relief. Smith worked again out of the bullpen on Saturday, and pitched four innings to earn the victory.

"It was like a night and day difference," Mossburgh said of Smith's pitching performances.

David Breck walked three times and scored a trio of runs for Palmer in the Friday win. The senior also earned the save on the mound. Brett Wheeler sparked the Moose offense with a two-run single. Smith and Jonas Dillbeck also drove in runs.

Kodiak starter Mark Putney was tagged with the loss. Putney was Kodiak's top hurler during its 2004 state championship run.

Dillbeck, David Doerr and Willie Ratcliff each drove in two runs during Palmer's win on Saturday. Dillbeck, Doerr, Smith and Ratcliff each led Palmer with two hits.