The Response: Chemeketa’s Offense Ignites to Salvage Series Split
Efficiency and Power: Max Eaton’s Gem Leads Storm to 11-1 Rout
SALEM, Ore. — Saturday was a day of celebration and grit at Chemeketa Community College. As the program unveiled its newly renovated promenade and revamped entryway to a crowd of 125 fans, the Storm baseball team showcased their resilience on the diamond, rebounding from a heartbreaking late-inning loss to dismantle the Clackamas Cougars in a dominant series finale.
Game 1: Late Heartbreak After Pitching Gem
Final: Clackamas 5, Chemeketa 4
For seven innings, the opener was a masterclass in Storm dominance. Ryne Hockman and Dylan Hanson combined to hold the Cougars hitless and scoreless through the sixth. Offensively, the Storm built what seemed to be a comfortable cushion. Kyle Sheller delivered the game's biggest swing in the fifth, a towering two-run triple that scored Wyatt Hooper and Ty Sheldon. When Dylan Cuff doubled in the seventh to make it 4-0, the energy at Storm Field was electric.
However, the tide turned in the eighth. Clackamas chipped away with two runs before launching a stunning ninth-inning comeback. A two-run home run by Jackson Poole tied the game, and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch eventually handed the Cougars a 5-4 lead. Despite out-hitting Clackamas 9-5, the Storm were left stunned as the Cougars escaped with the win.
Game 2: The Storm Unleashed
Final: Chemeketa 11, Clackamas 1 (5 Innings)
In the nightcap, the Storm didn't just bounce back—they made a statement. Determined to honor the grand opening of their field with a win, Chemeketa exploded for 11 runs to force a mercy-rule victory in just five innings.
Max Eaton was the anchor in the finale, throwing a complete-game gem. Eaton relied on pinpoint command, throwing 45 strikes on 65 pitches and inducing a key double play to keep the Cougars' offense in check.
While Eaton silenced the bats, the Chemeketa lineup showed incredible plate discipline and opportunistic hitting:
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Joe Vaccaro was a force, going 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs, including a critical double in the third.
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Nick Crawford and Liam Irish kept the line moving, while Slater Tsuma and Isaiah Sanchez showed elite patience to draw key bases-loaded walks.
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The Storm capitalized on eight walks and three Clackamas errors, plating five runs in a massive fourth-inning surge to put the game out of reach.
Series Standouts
| Athlete | Performance | Impact |
| Kyle Sheller | 3B, 2 RBI, 2 R | The veteran presence at third provided the spark in Game 1. |
| Max Eaton | 5.0 IP, 1 ER, W | A high-efficiency performance to clinch the split. |
| Joe Vaccaro | 3 Hits, 3 RBI | Led the charge in the Game 2 offensive explosion. |
| Slater Tsuma | 3 Hits, 2B, 1 RBI | Set the table at the top of the order all day. |
To Conclude
The Storm wrap up their season and hope to carry the momentum of their offensive explosion into the 2026-27 baseball season. With the pitching staff showing elite potential and the bats finding their rhythm, Chemeketa hopes to improve dramatically on their season with a full year of access to all of their new facilities.
Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio
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