Belmodis Fireworks: Storm Split High-Scoring Thriller with Clackamas

SALEM, Ore. — Fans at Belmodis Field were treated to an offensive masterclass on Wednesday as the Chemeketa Storm and Clackamas Cougars combined for an astounding 55 runs and 60 hits over two games. After dropping a narrow 17-14 decision in the opener, the Storm rallied with a massive seventh-inning surge to claim a 15-9 victory in the nightcap.

The doubleheader was a testament to the "never-say-die" attitude of this year's Storm squad, as they repeatedly climbed back from multi-run deficits against a potent Cougars lineup.

Game 1: A Seven-Inning Slugfest

Final: Clackamas 17, Chemeketa 14

The opener felt more like a home run derby than a standard conference game. Clackamas jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first, but Chemeketa's bats responded instantly. Meagan Trissell and Laney Deloe spearheaded the comeback, with Trissell driving in three runs and Deloe adding a clutch RBI double.

Kylie Caraphina provided the highlight of the game for the home crowd, launching a solo home run in the third. Despite out-hitting the Cougars 17-14, the Storm were undone by 10 walks issued by the pitching staff, which Clackamas turned into consistent scoring opportunities.

• Storm Starters: Every player in the Chemeketa lineup reached base, with Ava Woods going a perfect 3-for-4.

Game 2: The Seventh-Inning Surge

Final: Chemeketa 15, Clackamas 9

The second game was a mirror image of the first—high energy, lead changes, and plenty of power. After falling behind 9-8 in the fifth, the Storm offense exploded in the bottom of the sixth to pull ahead for good.

The power display was led by three different Storm players leaving the yard:

1. Grace Walls set the tone with a two-run blast in the second.

2. Laney Deloe crushed a two-run shot in the third.

3. Meagan Trissell delivered the knockout blow in the sixth, a two-run homer that ignited a seven-run frame.

Addison Bennett earned the win in relief, coming into a high-pressure situation and shutting down the Cougars with 2.2 innings of one-hit ball, effectively silencing the Clackamas bats to secure the split.

Doubleheader Leaderboard: The "Power Trio"

Tactical Analysis: Winning the "Big Inning"

In the nightcap, Chemeketa demonstrated superior situational hitting. While Game 1 was defined by back-and-forth scoring, Game 2 was decided by the "Big Inning" (scoring 4+ runs in a single frame).

• The 2nd Inning Rally: A six-run outburst in the second inning forced Clackamas to burn through their pitching early, setting the stage for the later comeback.

• The 6th Inning Clincher: Leading by only one run, the Storm didn't play for one—they played for many. By utilizing a mix of home runs (Trissell) and taking advantage of defensive miscues (two errors by the Cougars' pitcher), Chemeketa put the game out of reach before Clackamas could record the third out.

The Road Ahead

With the split, the Storm continue to prove they have the most dangerous lineup in the NWAC. When the pitching staff finds the zone and the defense stays clean (zero errors in Game 2), this team is nearly impossible to beat.

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