Bellingham slips by Coupeville | Legion

By JIM WALLER
Whidbey News Times Sports editor
July 3, 2012 · Updated 9:04 AM 

Bellingham North scored two unearned runs in the seventh inning to defeat the Coupeville Legion A baseball team 2-1 at Robert Sherman Field Sunday, July 1.

The loss spoiled a strong pitching effort by Aaron Trumbull who blanked Bellingham (6-4) until the seventh.

The two unearned runs in the seventh also "overshadowed some great defense throughout the game," according to coach Willie Smith. Twice Drew Chan, playing his first game in left field, ran down balls at the fence and fired to shortstop Josh Bayne who then rifled throws to catcher Jake Tumblin to cut down runners at the plate.

Bayne also turned in an unassisted double play in the first inning to end an early Bellingham threat.

Smith said the Merchants' offense was "stymied early in the game" before creating scoring opportunities late. However, Coupeville (5-4, 7-8) was able to cash in only once. In the fifth, Trumbull and Cole Payne each hit two-out, two-strike singles, then Trumbull scored on Bayne's single.

Bayne finished 2-for-4 and Tumblin 2-for-2.

Coupeville's season-ending, home doubleheader with Snohomish (4-4) scheduled for Monday, June 2, was rescheduled for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July, 10.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

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