Braves refuse to crack in big game at Concrete

La Conner High started slow then poured it on late at Concrete last Monday.

The Braves came from behind to record a key 5-2 NW2B baseball road win, improving to 2-1 in league standings and squaring their overall mark at 3-3.

And, even more important, La Conner seized much needed momentum going into a crucial conference test at Orcas today.

The April 8 matchup gives the Braves a chance to avenge an earlier 2-1 loss to the Vikings.

Orcas, La Conner, Concrete, and Friday Harbor are the favorites vying for a lone Northwest District berth to State this season.

Which makes the La Conner comeback at Concrete all the more significant.

The Braves spotted Concrete a two-run lead when the hosts pushed across a pair of third inning markers on a couple infield hits and a throwing error.

La Conner trailed 2-0 until two were down in the fifth. That’s when Logan James singled home Terrance Fornsby and Braves hurler Max Miller followed with a single that plated James.

The Braves didn’t stop there.

They put the game away with a three-run rally later in the contest.

Taylor Swanson led off with a single, the first of five straight La Conner safeties. Fornsby and James then filled the bags with back-to-back singles.

It was left to Miller to deliver what proved to be the game-winning hit, a two-run base knock.

Erick Reinstra provided an insurance score with a run-producing single, La Conner’s fifth hit of the frame.

It was all the run support needed by Miller, who pitched a complete game gem. He yielded just four hits while fanning a dozen Concrete hitters.

“Max was able to settle in and pitch a great game,” La Conner coach Jeremiah LeSourd said afterward.

Miller helped his cause with a pair of base hits and three runs batted in.

Reinstra led the La Conner attack with three hits and an RBI.

James and Swanson each had two hits in four trips, and combined to score three of La Conner’s five runs.

After today’s matinee date at Orcas, La Conner visits Coupeville on Friday before returning home April 14 to host Friday Harbor.