Pioneers working to make state tournament

PALMER — The Palmer Pioneers Post 15 American Legion team have gotten off to a successful start to the 2021 American Legion baseball season, scoring a win over state powerhouse Dimond last month behind a masterful pitching performance from ace Ben Alley. On June 27, the Pioneers lost 4-3 to defending state champion West Anchorage at Hermon Brothers Field. West starter Ivan Tillman threw seven innings for the win, racking up eight strikeouts and scattering seven hits.

“What’s different about this team from in the past is they see a lot of team’s ace, and that kids been around in legion for 4 or 5 years. He’s a tough kid, went the full seven, can throw strikes, his curveball was working today and they got some breaks. I thought we played well enough to win it’s just kind of a few breaks here and there,” said Post Manager Matt Ketchum.

Without two regular starters who were unable to play, the Pioneers scrapped in an effort to come back and take the lead from West, but were stifled by an inopportune line drive in the final inning. Kaden Ketchum had three hits, an RBI and a run. Dylan Garretson doubled and Koen Leaders had a hit and scored. Palmer pitcher Landon Guggenmos struck out six West batters over four innings, giving up three runs.

“Pitching is a strength. Even though we lost Ben Alley that was our ace, we’ve had three guys really really close to him behind him and pitching is excellent. We’re trying to develop a closer to come in in the 7th and we’ve got some excellent bridge guys. We’ve got seven or eight guys that can throw so pitching is a strength fortunately,” said Ketchum.

The Pioneers also took home a postseason trophy during the 2020 Alliance baseball season, capturing the Matson Invitational title at the tournament for the bottom eight teams in the state. This year, the Pioneers are in contention for their first ever trip to the state tournament. With a 5-4 record in league play and 9-6 record overall, the Pioneers have 24 points and are tied for third place in the American division.

“We’ve got very, very skilled players and it’s the small intangibles that we’ve got to put together as a team that are going to ultimately get us to our team goals,” said Ketchum. “I’m happy with where we’re at. It’s still trying to build a culture of these guys with some mental toughness so that we don’t make silly errors.”

The Pioneers head to the state’s Capitol where they will play the Post 25 Juneau Midnight Suns on July 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Pioneers ballplayers are among the league leaders at the midway point of the season. Jason Gunderson is 4th in the state in strikeouts with 26 and Guggenmos is 8th in the state with 22 strikeouts. The Pioneers lead all of Legion baseball in Alaska with a 2.5 team Earned Run Average. Shortstop Kaden Ketchum’s .444 batting average is 10th highest in the league. Ketchum also has an astounding .556 on base percentage. Catcher Bryant Marks’ .417 batting average is 12th highest in the state. Marks leads the team with 13 runs and leads the state with 15 stolen bases.

“I’m excited for what this team is capable of doing,” said Ketchum. “If I can keep the train on the tracks, keep her on the rails we’re going to be alright.”