Baker beats Henley in semis

The Bulldogs (25-3), losers in two earlier semifinal appearances, edged Henley 3-2 at Henley to earn a chance at the 4A state title Saturday. Baker will play top-ranked Astoria at 10 a.m. at Volcano Stadium in Keizer.

Against Henley, Baker had to rally twice to gain the win.

Henley scored first in the top of the first inning. A Hornet batter drew a walk, stole second, went to third on a single and scored on a sacrifice fly to center field.

“Trace (Richardson) made a great catch on the ball,” said Baker coach Dan Blankenship.

Baker tied the game 1-1 in the top of the third. Jon Woolard opened the inning with a single, and Alex Clark reached base on an error. Grant Marcum then lined a double to the fence scoring Woolard. Clark also attempted to score but was thrown out at the plate.

Baker took a 2-1 lead in the fourth when Derek Blankenship lined a solo home run to left-center field.

“Derek really stroked that ball,” Coach Blankenship said of his son’s hit.

Henley rallied to tie the game again at 2-2 in the fifth. An infield single and a Baker error put a runner in scoring position. Jake Herr then singled the run in.

Baker agaian answered in the sixth. Winning pitcher Cole Brown and Blankenship singled. Brown advanced to third on Blankenship’s hit. Brown then scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Dekker Smith. Smith hit the ball down the left field line to the base of the fence.

Henley made one last bid in the bottom of the seventh. A walk and another error put runners on the corners with two outs. Coach Blankenship then decided to intentionally walk Henley’s No. 3 hitter to load the bases.

“It was a tough call to make, but he had already had two hits against us,” Blankenship said.

The next batter flew out to Richardson in center to end the game.

Brown threw the first five innings for the Bulldogs, allowing five hits and striking out five. Blankenship threw the final two innings, striking out three.

“Cole threw real well with a tough strike zone,” Coach Blankenship said.

“And Derek came in and threw nothing but fast balls, challenging them.”

Blankenship and Woolard each had a pair of hits for the Bulldogs.

Baker    0    0    1    1    0    1    0    —    3

Henley    1    0    0    0    1    0    0    —    2

Brown, Blankenship (6) and Marcum. North and Hankins. WP – Brown (8-3). LP – North. S – Blankenship (3).

Baker hits – Marcum, Brown, Blankenship 2, Woolard 2, Barr.

Baker RBI – Marcum, Blankenship, Smith.

2B – Marcum. HR – Blankenship (4).