Warriors start final week of regular season with big win over Kenai

WASILLA — Wasilla head coach Ken Ottinger knew his team’s final week of the regular season would be a big one.

The Road Warriors are one of five Alaska American Legion baseball teams battling for one of the American Division’s four berths to the upcoming state tournament.

“Our division is crazy tight right now,” Ottinger said after a recent win over Chugiak.

Wasilla’s final week of the regular season features league games against Kenai, Palmer, Dimond and East. The Road Warriors scored a big victory in the first of four games in a six-day stretch beating Kenai 12-0 Sunday in Kenai.

Wasilla’s Austin Robertson and Hank Boyer combined to earn a two-hit, five-inning shutout on the mound. Robertson allowed two hits and struck out two over three innings. Boyer fanned three over two innings of work.

Ben Werner led the Warriors at the plate, finishing 4 for 4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Werner, Boyer, Kyle Graham and Kendell Ruta scored two runs each. Boyer and Jimmy Arend finished with two RBI each.

As of Monday night, Wasilla was one of five American Division teams packed in a group at the top of the standings.

Dimond (12-5) has already clinched a tournament berth with 53 total points. South stood in second Monday night with an 11-5 mark and 49 points. Wasilla and West were tied for third with 10-5 records and 45 points each.. Kenai trailed in fifth with a 9-7 record and 43 points.

Alaska American Legion rewards teams with four points for a win, two for a tie and one for a loss.

Wasilla’s big week continued with a game against Palmer Tuesday night. Results were not available prior to press time. The Warriors host Dimond Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and East Friday at 4:30 p.m. Both games are at Wasilla High.

South plays West Wednesday and Kenai Saturday. West follows the South game with contests against Fairbanks 30 Friday and Fairbanks 11 Saturday in the Interior. Kenai is at Palmer Friday and South Saturday.