Prior to league play beginning for Yelm High School’s baseball team early in the 2024 season, the Tornados chalked losses in two non-conference contests against the 4A North Puget Sound League Kennedy Catholic Crusaders and the 2A South Puget Sound League Steilacoom Sentinels.
Both of the contests provided teachable moments for the young Tornados throughout both games. Kennedy Catholic defeated Yelm, 12-1, on Tuesday, March 12, while Steilacoom defeated the Tornados on Friday, March 15, 6-4.
“I thought we did a much better job competing in that game compared to the Kennedy Catholic game,” head coach Dakota Hill said. “We are going into league having faced some of the best arms early, so we are prepared.”
Junior Wyatt Robison started on the mound for Yelm against Steilacoom, and Hill said the pitcher did a great job. He made his debut on the mound against Lakes on Friday, March 9.
“(Wyatt) improved on his last outing and was more efficient, with less freebies given,” Hill said. “I’m excited to watch him improve on the mound.”
Just three games into the season, Hill highlighted two sophomores that have stood out to him through their effort and overall execution in-game. First baseman Landan Halterman and Wesley Thompson each contributed to the team as freshman during the 2023 season and have made strides forward in the early stages of 2024.
“Landan Halterman has been putting together a lot of quality at-bats lately. He competes in the box and is tough with two strikes,” Hill said. “Wes Thompson has also put together tough (at-bats) and played some great defense.”
Following the two non-league contests, the Tornados moved into South Sound Conference action, Tuesday, March 19, against the Gig Harbor Tides in Gig Harbor. The team returned home on Wednesday, March 20 to host the Tides in the two programs’ second and final meeting of the regular season. Results were not available for either of the games before press time.
The Tornados will host non-conference Port Angeles, members of the 2A Olympic League, at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. Following the contest, Yelm will return to SSC action when the Tornados host Timberline at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26. The season series will conclude at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, at Timberline High School.
Hill said his expectations as the team enters SSC play is to “just compete.”
“Go into every game and expect to win and be good as a unit,” Hill said. “Good things are going to happen, and bad things will happen. We need to be great teammates and great supporters consistently.”
Heading into league play, Hill said the team will need to manage pitching “a bit better” and be more efficient throwing strikes early. The team will emphasize taking quality at-bats, Hill said, and if Yelm is able to get into another team’s bullpen, the coach believes that will benefit the Tornados.
