A New Era at Storm Field: Tsuma Makes History in Homecoming Split

SALEM, Ore. – The atmosphere at Chemeketa Community College was electric on Saturday as the Storm officially christened their brand-new, state-of-the-art turf field and stadium complex. For a program built on grit, the move to the pristine new surface marked a monumental step forward—and one player ensured his name would be etched in the bedrock of the new facility forever.

Sophomore standout Slater Tsuma turned the grand opening into a personal highlight reel, recording the first-ever hit, scoring the first-ever run, and launching the first-ever home run at the new Storm Field.

Game 1: Storm 4, Lakers 3

Eaton Masterful in Stadium Debut

In the first official contest on the new turf, the Storm relied on a dominant pitching performance from Max Eaton to secure a historic 4–3 victory. Eaton was untouchable through eight innings, surrendering zero runs and striking out seven Lakers while navigating the new surroundings with veteran poise.

The Storm offense wasted no time giving the home crowd something to cheer about. In the bottom of the first, Slater Tsuma etched his name in the record books with a sharp single—the first hit in the stadium's history. Moments later, he crossed home plate on a Wyatt Hooper RBI single to become the first player to score at the new complex.

Chemeketa added insurance in the fifth when Kyle Sheller (3-for-4, Double, & Triple) smoked an RBI double, followed by another run-scoring knock from Hooper. While the Lakers mounted a furious three-run rally in the ninth, reliever Pelham Statton entered the fray to slam the door, inducing a strikeout to secure the inaugural win at Storm Field.

Game 2: Lakers 5, Storm 4

Tsuma's Power Highlight Not Enough for Sweep

The nightcap was a battle of resilience. After Southwestern Oregon jumped out to a daunting 5–0 lead in the first two innings, the Storm spent the rest of the afternoon clawing back into the game behind a stellar relief effort from Liam Petty, who fanned six batters over four scoreless innings.

The defining moment of the afternoon came in the bottom of the sixth. With the Storm trailing 5–1, Slater Tsuma stepped to the plate and connected on a towering blast to left-center. The ball cleared the new fence for the first-ever home run at the complex, sending the dugout into a frenzy and cutting the deficit to three.

The Storm rally continued as Isaiah Sanchez drew a bases-loaded walk and Dylan Cuff added an RBI groundout to bring Chemeketa within a single run. However, the comeback fell just short in the seventh, as Lakers' reliever Ezra James managed to escape the jam to preserve the split.

The "Firsts" at Storm Field:

• First Hit: Slater Tsuma (Single, 1st Inning, Game 1)

• First Run Scored: Slater Tsuma (1st Inning, Game 1)

• First Home Run: Slater Tsuma (6th Inning, Game 2)

• First Pitching Win: Max Eaton (8.0 IP, 0 ER, 7 SO)
  
  

Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio     Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio