Saline Moves On to State Quarterfinals - Again

By Mike Penn

Tradition. Solid. Well Coached. Tough. Know how to win.  All of these phrases are a good description of a Saline Hornet baseball team.  This year is no exception.

With three straight state finals appearances from 2008 to 2010, but no titles to show for it, Saline is back in the state playoffs.  The Hornets beat Wayne Memorial in the first game of regional action by a score of 11-1 giving them a chance to win their eighth regional title since 1994.

The Hornets faced Allen Park in game two, but senior Justin Goike was determined to make it another memorable day for Saline.  Goike transfered to Saline from Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, a team that made its own long run in the state playoffs last year, so he is no stranger to success on the field. He delivered yesterday in a big way by tossing a no hitter.  On the day Goike struck out 12 hitters and only walked three. On top of that he had two hits of his own.

Gage Hammond, a junior center fielder, got in on the fun adding a couple of triples on the day as did Andrew White.  Freshman Trent Thesien also added his own highlight, a long homerun.

With their regional wins, Saline moves on to face Livonia Stevenson on Tuesday June 12th at 4PM.  The game will be played at the University of Michigan.