SK deals with pitching injuries

The problem for South Kitsap’s Junior Legion summer baseball team is an easy one to pinpoint.

After getting taken 11-0 by Olympic in non-league play on Friday, injuries that have plagued the Wolves’ starting rotation have taken their toll on the team’s success on the field.

“One of our ace pitchers hurt his wrist in practice,” South Kitsap shortstop Michael Orcutt said. “Two others had (shoulder injuries) with their arms.”

But that doesn’t mean the Wolves aren’t still making gains off of it.

“It’s fun,” Orcutt said. “Playing summer ball helps us more. You learn more things if you keep playing ball.”

Orcutt and the rest of the SK team struggled at the plate on Friday, collecting just one hit against the Trojans’ Austin Manson, as several strong defensive plays kept the Wolves from mounting a run.

But on the field, the Wolves’ defense mounted some strong plays of its own, with Orcutt taking part in one of two double plays in the 5-inning contest.

“It’s fun and all, but it kind of sucks just to lose,” Orcutt said. “But it’s all leading up to this tournament.”

The Wolves will play in a Bellevue tournament this weekend.

One reason Orcutt said the team is still maintaining a postitive attitude is that the squad has been playing together for nearly four years. But he added that past successes have made this season’s bad luck harder to swallow.

“This team, we played Babe Ruth for thre eyears together,” Orcutt said. “Last year we were the state champs; we went to regionals. So we aren’t really accustomed to losing. This year has just been totally crazy with all the injuries and stuff.”

The Trojans’ jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning and added five in the second thanks largely to control issues, as the Wolves issued seven walks in the game.

First baseman John Lounsberry managed South Kitsap’s only hit, a single in the fourth inning.

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