Bulldogs Battle Saxons in Gritty Doubleheader

ELLENSBURG, WA — The Ellensburg Bulldogs hosted the Ferris High School Saxons at Jeff Greear Field on Thursday, March 19, for a non-league doubleheader that showcased defensive grit and flashes of power. In a pair of tightly contested matchups, the Bulldogs relied on strong pitching starts and opportunistic hitting to keep pace with a potent Ferris lineup.

Game 1: A Classic Pitcher’s Duel

The opening contest of the afternoon was defined by a battle on the mound. Ellensburg’s Jake Snow took the ball to start the game, delivering a composed performance to keep the Saxons at bay early. Easton Armstrong also provided vital innings in relief for the Bulldogs, working through a physical Ferris batting order.

The Saxons managed to break the scoreless tie in the top of the third inning with a towering solo home run. Despite the blast, the Bulldog defense, led by shortstop Jaxon Orejudos and second baseman Cash Gibson, remained locked in to prevent a big inning.

The Bulldogs’ offense clawed back late in the game. In the bottom of the eighth, Orejudos reached on a fielder’s choice and advanced following a walk by Gibson. Carter Peone then came through with a clutch single to keep the pressure on the Ferris defense, allowing the Bulldogs to manufacture a late run.

Game 2: Power and Perseverance

The nightcap followed a similar script, with Ferris once again finding success via the long ball. For the second time on the day a third-inning homer put the Saxons on the scoreboard, but the game was called due to darkness after three complete innings.

Carter Peone served as a dual-threat in the second game, taking the mound as the starting pitcher while also providing the Bulldogs’ primary offensive spark. In the bottom of the third, Cash Gibson ignited a rally with a sharp single. Peone then helped his own cause, driving in a run with a well-placed sacrifice fly to center field.

The Bulldogs also saw contributions from Wyatt Green, who anchored the defense behind the plate, and Quentin Beard, who provided stability at first base and later saw action on the mound.

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Bulldog Standouts of the Day

• C. Peone: Starting pitcher in Game 2; RBI sacrifice fly and single.
• J. Snow: Strong starting performance in Game 1.
• C. Gibson: Constant threat on the base paths with a single and multiple walks.
• J. Orejudos: Solid defensive play at shortstop and a key run scored in Game 1.

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Coach’s Perspective

While the scores reflected the competitive nature of non-league play, the Bulldogs showed significant growth in their ability to handle pressure. The pitching staff combined to limit a Ferris offense that relied heavily on individual power displays, while the Ellensburg hitters demonstrated the “poise” that has become a hallmark of the program.

Up Next: The Bulldogs will look to refine their execution as they take on Emerald Ridge in non-conference action on Saturday, March 21st. First pitch is scheduled for 12pm.