Buccaneers fastpitch bats ’em in

KINGSTON — The Buccaneers home fastpitch game against Bremerton on Wednesday was over as soon as it started.

In the first inning the Bucs scored 11 runs. In the second the Bucs added an additional four runs to polish off a 15-0 shut out.

While there is a 10-run rule, the teams continued to play until the bottom of the fifth, as five innings must be played for the game to count.

“It was good for us and bad for them,” said KHS head coach Joe Schiel. “Our group just came in there a 100 percent ready to go. I appreciated the professionalism the girls brought to the field.”

Schiel said Bremerton’s team is just getting started, which led to the scoreboard outcome. But it’s “trying real hard.”

In the first inning Bremerton’s infield made some errors. The Knights’ pitcher had a few walks and a hit batter. One of the Bucs early runs came off a bases-loaded walk. The remainder of Kingston’s double-digit runs came from “little” hits that loaded the bases.

“A lot of small hits moved the runners around,” Schiel said.

After the second inning the remaining innings flew by, as both pitchers and combined team efforts promptly retired the batting lineup.

KHS pitcher Kendal Peiguss racked up five strikeouts in the three innings she pitched.

“She’s about an awesome pitcher,” Schiel said.

At the top of the fourth, Chelsie Brann took over on the mound. Brann gave up one hit, Bremerton’s first and only for the game.

KHS third baseman Jackie Gfeller posted the team’s sole slammin’ hit in the fourth inning. After two fouls Gfeller’s bat got hot, prompting a deep triple.

“She has such a nice stroke in practice it was good to see her apply it when the pressure was on,” Schiel said.

Wednesday’s contest was only the second time the Bucs have ever played. On March 12 the team lost an away game to Bainbridge Island 7-0.

Schiel used the early innings of that game to test out the lineup, which allowed Brainbridge to post all its runs in the first two innings. Once the Bucs settled into its “full power” lineup Bainbridge’s scores dried up. But the Bucs didn’t put the bat on the ball either, something the team is working on, Schiel said.

On Friday, Kingston traveled to Gig Harbor to take on Peninsula High School. Results of the game were not available at press time. Today the Bucs play Chimacum High School at home at noon.

Although the season is still early, Schiel is confident Kingston’s diamond dynamites are a team to content with.

“The girls are practicing well and our initial contests show a significant amount of promise for the season,” he said.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.