Sprinter leads Knights

Sports editor

VALDEZ -- Jimbo Ressler and the Wasilla Warriors baseball squad started the 2004 prep baseball season on a high note.

Ressler pitched a six-inning no-hitter in a 12-0 win over Valdez on Saturday.

Wasilla head coach Jim Ressler said, while the no-hitter was a noteworthy accomplishment for the senior pitcher, Valdez had a weaker lineup than many of the teams Wasilla will face this season.

"He was on," Jim Ressler said. "I am hoping he pitches like that against the powerhouses."

The senior right-hander struck out 13 hitters in the game called in the sixth inning, due to the 10-run mercy rule. Ressler allowed just three runners on base. Two advanced via the base on balls, and one batter was hit with a pitch. Valdez only had three balls in play, a pair of short rollers and one to short centerfield.

Seven different Warriors scored runs in the contest. Tyler Tillery crossed home plate three times to lead Wasilla. Jimbo Ressler, Kyle Cowgill and Dave Sandvick each scored two runs in the contest.

Cowgill led Wasilla at the plate, going 3-for-4.

Wasilla 5, Valdez 3

Tillery struck out 13 hitters and allowed just three hits, all in the first inning, to lead the Warriors to a 5-3 win on Friday.

Jimbo Ressler hit a three-run dinger to pace the Warriors at the plate.

Dan Mahoney struck out two hitters to earn the

save.