Bremerton scores big in season opener

BREMERTON — The season could not have gotten off to a better start for Bremerton at home Thursday.

Sophomore pitcher Mia Falotico had a banner day at the plate, hitting for the cycle and driving in eight runs as part of the Knights’ offensive onslaught in a 19-1 victory over Klahowya.

Falotico, who also struck out seven batters and gave up just five hits and one unearned run in five innings, had a perfect 4 for 4 batting, highlighted by a long three-run homer to deep center in the third inning. She also tripled in the first, doubled in the second and cleared the bases with a single in the fourth.

It was a significant opening offensive flourish from a team hoping to put Bremerton fastpitch back on the map after winning just five games in the past three seasons.

“I’m excited; we’re all excited for it,” said Bremerton head coach Rob Ells. “A little change in the culture.”

The Knights are still young, but the underclassmen are skilled. Sophomore Kaylee Bullard hit the ground running with a 4 for 4 day, picking up both a double and a triple and stealing two bases. Freshmen Madison Norton and Shyanne Armbruster-Dew also had a pair of hits each.

“We’re still young, but we’re key in the right positions,” Ells said. “I think we just need more confidence and we’ll get more wins.”

The veterans got in on the action too. Senior outfielder Precious Stowers went 3 for 4 and scored three runs hitting at the top of the lineup. Stowers also had the web gem of the day, robbing Klahowya’s Emily Devine of a sure base hit with a diving catch in right field. Senior shortstop Lissa Joiner drove in three runs.

Shae Stevens and Madelyn Wilkins each racked up a pair of hits for the Eagles, who were mostly kept quiet by Falotico. Their only run of the game came in the top of the fifth on a passed ball, which allow Brianna Williamson to score from third.

It’s still early, and the Knights have yet to dive into their league schedule — which begins next week at North Kitsap — but the players are optimistic about their season. They’re looking to make some real noise in what should be a very competitive Olympic League in 2019 and perhaps get back into the postseason for the first time in four years.

“I think we can get there,” Falotico said.

Bremerton 19, Klahowya 1

KLA 0 0 0 0 1 — 1 5 4

Brem 6 1 5 7 x — 19 15 2

WP: Falotico LP: Devine

Pitching

Klahowya — Devine 3 IP, 12 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 2 BB, K; Stevens IP, 3 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 2 K.

Bremerton — Falotico 5 IP, 5 H, R, 0 ER, 7 K.

Hitting

Klahowya — Stevens 2-3; Wilkins 2-2; Segalle 1-1.

Bremerton — Falotico 4-4, 2B, 3B, HR, 8 RBI, 4 R, SB; Bullard 4-4, 2 2B, 3B, 2 RBI 3 R, 2 SB; Stowers 3-4, 3 R, SB; Joiner 1-2, 3 RBI, BB, 3 R, SB; Norton 2-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB.