Pioneers win at state for first time in 32 years

ANCHORAGE - The Post 15 Palmer Pioneers defeated the Post 21 Dimond Lynx 3-2 in a 12-inning thriller in first round action of the Alaska Legion Baseball state tournament at Mulcahy Stadium in Anchorage for the programs first win at state since 1989. Outfielder Evan Walker’s 12th inning RBI single scored Bryant Marks, giving the eight seeded Pioneers their first win at the state tournament in 32 years.

“We were 2-1 against them this year. We beat them in a double header at Hemron Brothers and actually had a run rule game against them. We had some confidence that we can hang with them and you put Gundy on the bump and man he was phenomenal,” said Post Manager Matt Ketchum. “It was just awesome. It’s great for those kids to get that win.”

Palmer starting pitcher Jason Gunderson threw eight innings and struck out six batters. Gunderson scattered seven hits and only one of the two runs he allowed was earned. The 12-inning game was the seventh longest contest in the 69-year history of the Alaska Legion state tournament. Catcher Bryant Marks gave the Pioneers the lead in the top of the 5th inning with a double scoring Landon Guggenmos and Karsen Spradling. The Lynx tied the game in the bottom half of the inning and left 15 runners on base during the course of the game. Pioneers relief pitchers Landon Guggenmos and Koen Leaders both escaped bases-loaded jams in extra innings. The Lynx outhit the Pioneers 10-5.

Marks led off the top of the 12th inning with a walk, followed by a Leaders single and a walk from Kaden Ketchum. Walker singled off Dimond relief pitcher Chase Matthews to score the go-ahead run.

“During league play he’s hitting about .410 but with runners in scoring position he’s hitting over .500 and so he is definitely a clutch guy. He has easily settled into the four hole and just keeps delivering, great kid. He’s fielding 1.000 %, not a single error on the year and just a massive asset and a kid that’s improved,” said Ketchum.

Gunderson outlasted Dimond starter Ryan Hendrickson who spun a masterful pitching performance from the mound himself. The Dimond lefthander threw 7 ⅔ innings before reaching the pitch limit. Hendrickson allowed just two hits and struck out 14 batters. Neither of the two runs scored by the Pioneers against Hendrickson were earned.

Marks led the Pioneers with a pair of hits and also stole a base. Leaders and Ketchum also recorded hits in the win.

Both Gunderson and Walker were named to the Alaska Legion Baseball Team of Excellence that was released on Wednesday, joined by infielder Kaden Ketchum. Wasilla outfielder Jacob Hansen was named to the first team, and outfielder Byson Malave was given honorable mention.

For the season, Gunderson held a 4-1 record, earning a key late-season league win over Juneau in Juneau. Gunderson had just a 1.87 earned run average and recorded 47 strikeouts in 30 innings pitched. Ketchum was among the hitting leaders for Palmer with a .471 batting average, 11 RBI and 13 runs.

Hansen had a .327 average for Wasilla and 24 runs with 18 stolen bases. Malave had a .308 average with 23 RBI.

Wasilla defeated Bartlett 17-7 in the Matson Invitational Tournament at Bartlett high school. Palmer plays first seeded and undefeated in league play South Anchorage at 5:30 p.m. at Mulcahy on Friday, and will take on Ketchikan on Saturday at 2:15. The state semifinals are set for Monday with a championship game on Tuesday.

“We’d love to get a win. Our goal is probably going to be preserve some arms for Saturday because if we win tomorrow or Saturday it puts us in the semis and I’ve always believed that tin pool play if you can get to the semis anything can happen and next thing you know you're playing for a state title,” said Ketchum. “It’s important for us to not throw everything we possibly can at South because we’ve got another game, a critical game on Saturday so it’s get at bats play solid defense and get ready for Saturday.”