WARDEN — The Warden Cougars baseball team were unsuccessful on the road against the Liberty Christian Patriots, losing in their doubleheader 3-1 in each game. Both games were very identical in how competitive they became. 

Both teams scored a run in the first inning, and it remained tied throughout most of the game until the end where the Patriots were able to score the winning runs. Cougars head coach Travis Visker knew this game was much closer than the final scores say. 

“We were just wanting to really try to compete with these guys and both games were close, I mean, the score doesn't even do them justice. They were pitching doodles all the way to the very end (of) both games. Unfortunately, we came up short on both of them,” he said. 

In game one, Pitcher TJ Visker put in a clinic striking out two batters and only allowing two walks. However, too many rookie mistakes were made toward the end that allowed Liberty Christian to get ahead, the coach said. 

Game two followed the same pattern. Michael Gonzalez and Anthony Gutierrez combined for a five-hitter performance, Gutierrez forcing three strike outs of his own. However, in each of the last two innings, the Patriots were able to break off a run and create a big enough gap on the scoreboard. 

“We're a very young team; I'm pleased with the progress we're making and that's been our goal is just keep getting better and better every day. I think we're playing well, it's just unfortunately we still make some rookie mistakes, so they end up costing us,” Visker said. 

The Cougars will look to continue learning and improving the rest of the season. With each game being an experience to take lessons from, the team looks forward to being competitive with the rest of their opponents this season, Visker said. 

Warden will be heading on the road again Tuesday to face the Goldendale Timberwolves.