By Kyle Howard

The Highline Pirates suffered a tough baseball loss to Kennedy Catholic Monday, April 20. Both teams had near identical records but this game went in the favor of Lancers in a 4-2 win to tie the teams for second place.

Highline was able to score first in their opening at bat with Kennedy quick to respond in the top of the third to tie the game at 1-1. The Lancers managed to manufacture two more runs the following inning by playing small ball and making their way into scoring position. The Lancers pulled off back-to-back squeeze plays to help push their lead to 3-1.

The Pirates put together a solid fifth inning to pull within one run. Justin Kemp singled to get on base, and after a sacrifice bunt placed him into scoring position. Highline’s McCartney knocked him in to make it 3-2.

Lancer shortstop Joe Greaney capped off the scoring for the game with the final run coming on a solo home run in the top of the sixth to left center.

Jonny Locher, Highline’s starting pitcher, pitched a very great game -- striking out an amazing 17 for the game while giving up only two walks. Justin Kemp was the only Pirate to record two hits for the game.

The game's winner was Max Larson, who pitched five innings and recorded six strikeouts. Joe Greaney had two hits including the solo home run.