By Gene Helfman

Special to the Weekly

The Lobos played against Shoreline Christian in the NW1B District playoffs on May 10 and came away with a 7-5 nail-biting victory, moving on to the Bi-District game with a 3-1 overall league record.

Lopez and Shoreline exchanged the lead several times during the game. Thomas Hobi started and Vinnie Kramer relieved at pitcher for Lopez, Hobi being credited with the win.  High school rules allow pitchers to return to the mound after being replaced, which meant that Hobi could relieve Kramer.  Hobi came on in the last inning with the bases loaded and 3-0 count and shut down the Shoreline rally, preserving the Lobos’ win.  Hobi was also credited with the save. No major league pitcher has ever gotten a win and a save in the same game.

Lopez moved on to the Bi-District game at Muckleshoot on May 13, facing a team that had shut them out 12-0 previously.  Lopez held the Kings scoreless through the first two innings and even loaded the bases in the third, showing Muckleshoot they were facing a very matured Lopez nine.  Muckleshoot moved out to a 2-0 lead in the third  Lopez tied it up at two apiece the next inning, but couldn’t hold on and the Kings added runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, for a final score of seven to two.  Vinnie Kramer led Lopez batting with three hits; Joey Fowler, Conner Dye, and Mikayla Johnson also had hits.

Lopez will graduate only one senior, Mike Hobi, meaning next spring’s team will be packed with experienced players.  Wait ‘til next year!