In the annual Black vs. Scarlet Championship that concludes each fall season for the Seattle University baseball team, the Scarlet team, captained by Evan Ewing (Spokane, Wash.), defeated the Black team, captained by Bryndon Ecklund (Elma, Wash.), 4-1 Saturday, Oct. 13, at Lower Woodland Park.
Both teams received strong performances from the starting pitchers as the game remained scoreless through the first seven innings. Ted Hammond (Shoreline, Wash.) pitched six innings for the Scarlet team, allowing just two hits while striking out five batters. On the Black squad, Kyle Doyle (Covington, Wash.) struck out six batters in five innings while giving up only three hits.
The Scarlet team broke through in the eighth inning when Ryan Somers (Sammamish, Wash.), later named the game's MVP, drove in two runs with a double and then scored on a single by Brian Olson (Black Diamond, Wash.). Austen Brand (Tacoma, Wash.) drove in the fourth run for the Scarlet team in the ninth inning with a sacrifice fly.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Black team ended the shutout thanks to a RBI single by Zach Aaker (Ravensdale, Wash.), but that would be the only run for the squad. Skyler Genger (Kent, Wash.) picked up the victory after throwing two innings of shutout relief, while Garrett Anderson (Kennewick, Wash.) took the loss.
The Seattle University baseball team will continue preparing for the upcoming season with individual workouts. The first official practice for the 2013 competition season will take place Jan. 25.