Skyview prevails over Camas in 11 innings

“Just rounding first base and watching the outfielder get to the fence, and watching it go over him, that was a dream-come-true.”

Before the 11th-inning dramatics, there was plenty of drama in the ninth inning. Skyview had taken a 5-4 lead in the top of the frame, and Camas got its lead-off batter to first base in the bottom of the inning.

A pitch sailed toward Luke Grindy’s head. Grindy ducked out of the way, the ball smashed against the the backstop some 25 feet or so behind the plate, then ricocheted to Skyview catcher Carson Huseby. The Camas runner broke for second base, while Huseby got the ball and threw toward second base. Grindy was called for interference. He was out and the runner had to return to first base.

Camas coaches asked the plate umpire to ask his crew members for help, claiming Grindy did not interfere with the throw, that he had nowhere to go after nearly getting hit in the head. After a discussion, the call stood. Camas coach Stephen Short was ejected for arguing after the umpire conference.

Camas inquired about protesting. But after the game, umpires and tournament officials determined it to be a judgment call — which cannot be protested.

Camas was able to tie the game on a Skyview error, extending the game into the 10th inning.

A hit batter, a walk, and an error loaded the bases for Camas against Barnum, a relief pitcher, in the bottom of the 10th.

“Coach (Seth) Johnson came to the mound, and I told him I wanted it. I really wanted it. I knew I could do it,” Barnum said.

Back-to-back strikeouts extended Skyview’s season.

“That was all my catcher (Huseby),” Barnum said. “He knew exactly where to call it, where to set me up. I just did what he told me.”

Barnum made it 6-5 with his blast, and Nick Jennings got the final three outs in the bottom of the 11th for the save.

Camas, the No. 2 seed, saw its season end one win short of a trip to bi-district. Liam Fitzpatrick had three hits, including two doubles, and drove in a run. Ryan Kempf and Tanner Howington each had two hits.

“I just told the seniors I love them and I appreciate them,” Short said. “They represented our program the way we asked them to. They set a good example for the younger guys.”

Skyview was the No. 4 seed this year after Greater St. Helens League play. A year ago, the Storm were No. 5 and reached the finals.

“These guys are my brothers. I would live for them. I would die for them,” Barnum said. “These guys stepped up big.”