By Danny Tomko in Sports
Clark baseball was eliminated from playoff contention with their loss to the Clackamas Community College Cougars during a double header on Saturday.
Clark lost 4-1 in a game that Clackamas controlled start to finish. Most of the Cougar’s runs came in the fourth inning off a deep center field double by Cougars shortstop Trevor Achenbach.
Clark won the second game of the day, scoring 6 runs in an error-filled third inning.
The Penguins managed to go three and one against the Cougars to end the season, and would have needed fourth place Linn-Benton Community College to lose three of their last four in order to make the playoffs.
After the game, Penguin Head Coach Brett Neffendorf had mixed emotions.
“You are proud of the way your guys go out. But at the same time, you want to make the playoffs,” Neffendorf said. “I think this group achieved a lot considering how many guys we have lost throughout the year, so I am proud of them in a lot of aspects.”
Clark Athletics Director Ann Walker voiced support for Neffendorf and the program despite their losing record. “I know they struggled. There’s no doubt in my mind that Brett is not happy with the number of wins,” Walker said. “But I am really pleased with his leadership and the direction that the team is heading.”
Saturday was also sophomore night for Penguin Baseball. On sophomore night, the team takes time to recognize the sophomores that will be moving on from the program at the end of the season.
Eight players will be leaving now that the season is over. The coaching staff also recognized bat boy Tavis Muller, a senior at Columbia River High School.
“Our sophomores were a great group of guys. I really enjoyed working with them,” Walker said. “It’s the unfortunate part of community college. You only get these guys for 1 or 2 years. These guys have a bright future ahead of them.”
Neffendorf showed some emotion when asked about his sophomores. “Our sophomore leaders did a great job. I thought they performed really well,” Neffendorf said. “Without those guys it’s just not the same season.”
Sophomores
James Himes – Outfielder
Nick Gagner – Pitcher
Colton Kreuger – Pitcher
Layne Sutten – Pitcher
Boyd Lainhart – First Baseman
Sam Kosbab – Outfielder
Brek Moskal – Catcher
Javi Villanueva – Pitcher
Tavis Muller – Bat Boy
