The Choker Baseball Team hits the road this weekend, and will take the 204 mile trek to Yakima, WA to play the Yaks from Yakima Valley College.  The Chokers have spent the first month of the season playing on the road...Ontario, OR, Wenatchee, WA, Bremerton, WA, Lacey, WA, Moses Lake, WA, and now Yakima, WA!  The time on the road has been good for team chemistry, and getting close with the team.  

After a tough weekend in Moses Lake last week, where the Chokers lost all 4 games of the series with Big Bend CC, they are looking to get the pendulum swinging into their favor.  The excitement at practice this week was surrounding the last big test before conference play begins.  YVC(12-4 overall) comes into the series with a team full of very aggressive minded hitters and baserunners, with pitchers that throw a lot of strikes.  The Chokers are going to look to bring energy and excitement back to their game, and a loose "opportunity hunting" approach to each pitch.  

The Chokers are being led offensively by Juan Navarrete, who is hitting .319 in 47 AB's.  At the same time, Navarrete continues to play very good defense at 3rd Base.  Chokers Utility player Sawyer Rhoden continues to lead the team with a .453 On-Base % in 53 plate appearances.  Rhoden defensively plays a huge role on the team as he has already played 6 of the 9 defensive positions so far this year.  

The Chokers pitching staff will look to build off of the foundation of success being supplied by Luke Thoreson.  The Freshman has put together back to back quality starts, and has done a very good job of working ahead of hitters and allowing his defense to work.  Jon Rice has also continued his exciting display of pitching.  In his start last Sunday, he only gave up 2 earned runs, while striking out 5 Viking batters, and only walking 1.  The remainder of the Chokers pitchers will look to follow suit and start reaping the benefits of throwing their pitches in the lower half of the strike zone.

As always...the Chokers appreciate all of the support from Friends and Family making the trips.  We assure you that the team is ready to take the next step, and your support plays an instrumental role in that opportunity.  

If you are heading to Yakima this weekend...we look forward to seeing you there!  

GO CHOKERS!