After two days’ practice in the gym, Chester Junior-Senior High School kicked off the 2024 varsity baseball season in February with two away tournaments. The first in Los Molinos on Feb. 28 was followed by the Maxwell tournament the following week. The Volcanoes emerged from the Los Molinos tournament losing two games, one of which was reversed by forfeit, giving the Vols a 1-1 record. Because the team was still not able to use the Vols field due to snow, practice continued indoors as the Vols prepared for the Maxwell tournament.
On March 8 the Vols advanced to the championship game of the Maxwell tournament, defeating Southfork 13-0 in Game 1, and Pierce 14-10 in Game 2. This vaulted the Chester nine into the championship game against Vacaville Christian. The Vols fell short in the championship game losing 13-3. Now with a record of 3-2 and gaining confidence, the Vols continued a rigorous indoor practice schedule awaiting winter to abate.
“By mid-March the Vols continued to play nonleague away games, gaining game experience and confidence,” said assistant coach George Wellman. The Vols dropped a double hitter to Lassen High and rebounded with a pair of wins against Dunsmuir. At this point their record stood at 5-4.
On March 26 versus the Burney Raiders, the first league game of the season, the team began to show consistency and improved play. The Vols defeated a scrappy Burney team 6-2 in Burney, giving the team an overall 6-4 record and 1-0 in league play. Sophomore Grady Klimek pitched a solid four innings, giving up two runs on two hits and five strikeouts. Kooper Clark relieved Klimek and pitched three scoreless innings facing 10 batters, one over the minimum, striking out six. Klimek took the win and Clark recorded a save in their combined seven-inning effort.
“This game was a turning point in building confidence in a tightly fought game by both teams,” said head coach Mike Klimek. “Also being our first league game and notching a victory was so valuable to build off of as the league schedule will be more intense and competitive in the coming weeks.”
Five players had multiple hits, led by Caiden Clark’s 3 for 4 and one RBI. Talon Pleau and Callan Wiseman each went 2 for 3, both with a double to their credit. Wiseman also drove in two runs. Lucas Klimek and Jacob Dowling each went 2 for 4, Dowling with one RBI. Jax Holland had one hit, a solo home run to deep left field plating himself for an RBI. Trent Tissot, Grady Klimek, and Kooper Clark added to the offense, each getting one hit, with Clark picking up one RBI.
Trent Tissot led the scoring with two runs scored on a hit, walk, and two stolen bases.
For more details about the team, including game and season statistics, visit https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/chester/chester-volcanoes/baseball/.
Information provided by Chester Junior-Senior High School baseball team