5/5/26
(Kelso, WA) The number four-ranked team in the 3A RPI in Peninsula went on the road to face a Kelso team that continues to improve game after game as they look down the road at the playoffs. What took place was a masterclass in pitching from Ole Miss commit Bryce Collins, with additional support from his offense, in one of the most impressive wins for the Highlanders this year. Peninsula had opportunities late in the game, but the pitching stayed on point for Kelso, leading to a win.
Kelso Highlanders 4, Peninsula Seahawks 0
The pitching from Bryce Collins was in full effect from the jump, where he retired the first three batters he saw in the top of the first inning, with two of them being strikeouts. KaiNoah Leckenby was on the mound for Peninsula and did a nice job of pitching as well, and although the strikeouts weren’t as apparent, he didn’t give the Kelso offense too much to work with. The infield and outfield of the Seahawks put in a lot of work, including an amazing diving catch from Jett Ortega to start the game. In the second inning, Collins would strike out three straight, and Kelso would be back up again to hit, but couldn’t do much with the bat.
Neither team could do much offensively until the fourth inning. In the bottom of the inning, Adam Swanson would lead off with a double. Trey Snow would then send Swanson to third on a deep fly ball. Kelso would capitalize on a sac fly by Brady Snaza, which would get Kelso their first run of the game. Collins continued to deal on the bump and keep Peninsula scoreless, and the Highlanders would get right back to work in the fifth. Sosefa Logotaeao would hit a lead-off single, followed by a one-out single from Bryce Collins. Blake Larwick and Adam Swanson would then hit back to back RBI singles with bring the game to 3-0.
Collins would not let up on the mound and surpassed double digit strikeouts on the game, leading to a quick top of the sixth for Peninsula. Kelso would then respond with an insurance run. After two HBPs, Carter Huntley would hit a sacrifice fly into right field that would score a run and bring the score to 4-0. Just needing three outs, Collins struck out the first two batters quickly. He only needed one more out for a no hitter but Drew Brown spoiled the party with a single on what Collins thought would be the last batter of the game. After a walk, Collins struck out the last batter for his 14th of the game and the shutout victory.
MVP
The Thorbecks’ MVP of the game award went to Bryce Collins who pitched all seven innings and had 14 strikeouts along with just four walks. A masterclass in pitching from one of the best pitchers in 3A if not the state. Showing why he is a future Ole Miss Rebel. This performance also gives him a lot of steam asd Kelso looks to make a run into the post season and do damage. He also had a single in the game that eventually led to runs for Kelso
Notable Performances
Kelso:
- Bryce Collins – 7 IP, 0 H, 14 Ks, 4 BBs
- Adam Swanson – 2-3, RBI, 1 Double
- Blake Larwick – 1-3, RBI
Peninsula:
- KaiNiak Leckenby – 4.1 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB
- Drew Brown – 1-1
ESN Post Game Show
Game Highlights
Jett Ortega With an Amazing Diving Catch
Bryce Collins Gets The Shutout Win with 14th Strikeout
Blake Larwick with the RBI Single