Tritons’ Power Surge Stuns Storm at Gateway

SALEM, Ore. – It was a tale of two halves at the Gateway Sports Complex on Saturday night. After a back-and-forth battle through the first four innings, the Chemeketa Storm found themselves silenced late by a powerhouse Edmonds College Tritons squad, eventually falling 10-4.

Despite a spirited start and an aggressive approach at the plate, the Storm (1-1) couldn't withstand a career night from the Tritons' Scarlette Chapman, who accounted for five RBIs and two home runs to tilt the scales in favor of the visitors.

A Fast Start in the Forest

The Storm entered the dugout trailing 2-0 after a quick Chapman blast in the first, but the response from the Chemeketa bats was immediate and loud. In the bottom of the frame, the Storm batted around to hang three runs on the board.

Layni Noonkester ignited the crowd with an RBI double to left that brought home Ava Woods. Moments later, Meagan Trissel ripped a hard grounder to left to score Zoe Moore, and Jazmin Gallegos dropped a fly ball into the outfield to push Noonkester across. By the end of the first, Chemeketa held a 3-2 lead and looked to have all the momentum.

The Tide Turns

The middle innings turned into a defensive grind. Edmonds regained the lead in the third and extended it in the fourth, but Chemeketa stayed within striking distance. In the bottom of the fourth, Grace Walls laid down a perfectly executed bunt single to score Laney De Loe, cutting the Triton lead to 6-4.

However, that was where the rally stalled. Edmonds pitcher Emersyn Bakker settled in, throwing a complete game and holding the Storm scoreless over the final three frames.

Seventh Inning Heartbreak

Chemeketa pitcher Addison Bennett battled through a grueling 34 batters, showing immense grit in a complete-game effort of her own. However, the Tritons' bats found a second wind in the top of the seventh. A leadoff double followed by Chapman's second home run of the night served as a knockout blow, extending the lead to six and ending any hopes of a Storm comeback.

Key Stats

• Jazmin Gallegos: 2-for-3, RBI

• Zoe Moore: 2-for-3, Run

• Layni Noonkester: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI, Run

• Addison Bennett: 7.0 IP, 4 SO

While the scoreboard didn't favor the home team tonight, the Storm showed they can go toe-to-toe with the region's best hitters. Chemeketa will look to tighten the defense and bounce back as they continue their weekend slate at home.

Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio     Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio