By NATHAN WHALEN

Special to the News-Times

Backed by a stout defense and great pitching, Oak Harbor’s baseball team kicked off the season with two wins – one against Marysville Getchell and the second against Cascade of Everett.

The Wildcats home opener March 11 was an 11-1 victory that was called after five innings.

“We came out ready to play,” baseball coach Cody Anderson said. It was wet and windy. Oak Harbor gave up a run in the first inning.

Pitcher Zack Pyle pitched a complete game at five innings and throwing eight strikeouts.

Junior Conner Cash, who plays second base and is Oak Harbor’s leadoff hitter, had three hits and four RBIs.

Two days later Oak Harbor traveled to Everett and shut out Cascade 7-0.

Anderson said the defense played lights out. “Everything they hit we fielded and got outs.”

Pitcher senior Adam Nurvic threw a no-hitter through six innings, had five strikeouts and two walks through six innings. Oak Harbor gave up one hit.

Anderson said junior Jason Champ had four great at-bats that included being walked twice.

Oak Harbor hosted Arlington March 15 after The News-Times went to press.

They host Burlington-Edison at 4 p.m. March 19 before traveling to Mount Baker March 21, Ferndale March 22 and Marysville Pilchuck March 23.

Photo by John Fisken Oak Harbor’s Connor Cash catches a ball during an 11-1 win against Marysville Getchell March 11.