SK declares 'Marshall' law

Excuse Elton Goodwin if he seems like a grouch these days. It’s not for a lack of wins.

The South Kitsap High School baseball coach is fed up with the weather the team has been forced to deal with.

So far the team has responded well with a 6-1 overall record going into Monday’s game at Gig Harbor.

Even after big wins against North Kitsap and Port Angeles last week, Goodwin said he couldn’t believe the winter conditions the team has played through.

“This weather has been unreal,” Goodwin said. “These last two games have not been fun for me. You ruin your gear. You ruin your balls. It’s just depressing. But we took control of the league and that’s what we wanted to do.”

SK and the visiting Port Angeles Roughriders had to wait nearly 30 minutes for rain to subside before starting the game.

Soon darkness became the team’s worst enemy. For SK, the darkness proved to be an adversary as it came away with a 10-5 win in a game that was called due to darkness in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Wolves had the bases loaded with nobody out when the game was called. Senior Ryan Marshall led the Wolves, going three for four with two RBI, including a solo homerun. Junior Pat Kelly added two RBI and a solo home run.

It was a breakout game for Marshall, who is doing a good job of showing he belongs in the starting lineup.

He is six for 12 this season, including the homerun he hit Friday — his first since little league.

Marshall hasn’t been an everyday starter, but Goodwin said his lineup is still up for some tweaking.

“Marshall has done well for us,” Goodwin said. “I’ve still got some question marks and I’m still looking at guys. He’s one that has come through so far.

“I’ve been feeling pretty good in practice, which has helped me a lot in games,” Marshall said. “(Against PA) I was just looking for the right pitches to hit and I got them.”

The SK battery found plenty of good pitches to hit in the tune of 11 hits.

While the offense has started to come around, pitching continues to be SK’s strong point.

Junior Josh Fullington worked hard for three innings to earn the win, and senior Evan Brumfield came on in relief and shut down PA (except for a two-run home run) in the final three innings. Brumfield has impressed Goodwin so much this year, he’s almost ready to label him as his No. 2 pitcher, behind ace Brian Cox.

What Brumfield showed fans Friday was a nasty changeup Goodwin hasn’t seen from another SK pitcher in years.

“I tell you what, he’s got the best changeup I’ve coached in a long, long time,” Goodwin said. “It’s devastating and he likes to throw it.”

Brumfield isn’t the hardest thrower on the team, but his ability to mix speeds along with his curveball has confounded hitters this season.

“He’s done a hell of a job on the mound,” Goodwin said. “That’s really key to our season. He’ll probably be our No. 2 guy.”

The Wolves continue Narrows League play today at Olympic and Friday at Central Kitsap.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.