Chemeketa Drops Doubleheader to League-Leading Roadrunners

ALBANY, Ore. — The Chemeketa Storm traveled to Dick McClain Field on Wednesday seeking to play spoiler against a surging Linn-Benton squad. However, the Roadrunners (19-3) lived up to their top-tier billing, utilizing timely hitting and a disciplined approach at the plate to sweep the Storm by scores of 10-2 and 9-2.

While the final scores leaned toward the hosts, Chemeketa showed early flashes of momentum in both contests, proving they could trade blows with the conference leaders before the Roadrunners' depth eventually took over.

Game 1: A Tight Duel Breaks Open Late

Final: Linn-Benton 10, Chemeketa 2

For much of the afternoon, Game 1 was a tactical chess match. Chemeketa's Jack Klee turned in a gutty performance on the mound, keeping the Storm within striking distance through five innings of work.

The Storm bats came alive in the fourth. After Wyatt Hooper ignited the dugout with a lead-off double, Joe Vaccaro laced an RBI single to tie the game. Moments later, Liam Irish followed suit with a base knock to center, scoring Vaccaro and giving Chemeketa a hard-earned 2-1 lead.

The advantage was short-lived, however. Linn-Benton capitalized on defensive miscues in the fifth and sixth to reclaim the lead before a five-run eighth-inning explosion put the game out of reach.

• Top Performers: Liam Irish reached base three times (2-for-4, BB, RBI), while Joe Vaccaro provided the clutch go-ahead RBI.

Game 2: Early Lead Vanishes in Albany

Final: Linn-Benton 9, Chemeketa 2

Determined to bounce back, the Storm struck first in the nightcap. In the opening frame, Slater Tsuma drew a walk and hustled home on a sharp RBI single by Tyrel Gertner, putting Chemeketa up 1-0.

The Roadrunners responded with clinical efficiency, scoring in five of the next seven innings. Chemeketa's Remy Daravivanh battled through four innings, but hit batsmen and walks proved costly against a Linn-Benton lineup that refused to strand runners.

The Storm threatened again in the sixth when Gertner grounded out to plate Tsuma for his second RBI of the game, cutting the deficit to 6-2. Ultimately, the Roadrunner bullpen proved too sturdy, holding Chemeketa to just six hits over nine innings.

Series Snapshot: The Statistical Story

Tactical Breakdown: The "Long Game"

The difference in the doubleheader often came down to situational hitting. Linn-Benton excelled at the "small ball" game, recording four sacrifice flies/bunts over the two games to manufacture runs.

Chemeketa's pitching staff, led by Klee and Cam Garrett (who provided 3.0 solid innings of relief in Game 2), showed they can navigate a high-powered lineup. However, the Roadrunners' ability to extend innings—drawing seven total walks and taking advantage of five Storm errors—proved to be the deciding factor in the late innings.

Standout Moments

• Tyrel Gertner: Accounted for both RBIs in Game 2, serving as the primary engine for the Storm offense.

• Slater Tsuma: Showed elite baserunning awareness, scoring both of Chemeketa's runs in the nightcap.

• Kyle Sheller: Provided a bright spot in Game 2, going 2-for-4 and showing range at third base.

Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio     Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio