Mt. Spokane's Tristan Pounder Dominates on Mound with 12 Strikeouts; G-Prep's Dylan Croall Puts on Two-Way Show

Pounder Powers Wildcats Past Shadle Park

Mt. Spokane's baseball team continued its strong season Tuesday with a dominant pitching performance from junior Tristan Pounder, who struck out 12 batters over 6 2/3 innings in the Wildcats' 5-1 victory over Shadle Park in a Greater Spokane League 4A/3A matchup. The win improved Mt. Spokane to 7-4, showcasing the kind of championship-caliber pitching that could carry the program deep into the WIAA postseason.

Pounder's strikeout total was the standout number on a day when Mt. Spokane's offense also contributed, with Joseph Famolaro going 2-for-3 with a run and two RBIs to support the dominant pitching effort. The Highlanders, sitting at 3-7, managed just one run against the Wildcats' stingy defense. Shadle Park's Matthew Pugh connected on a solo home run in the fifth inning, providing the visiting team's only offensive highlight in a game that clearly belonged to Mt. Spokane from start to finish.

Croall Does It All as Gonzaga Prep Dominates Ferris

If Pounder's performance was impressive, Gonzaga Prep's Dylan Croall proved that this GSL 4A/3A season belongs to the Bullpups' elite pitchers. Croall threw a complete game while striking out 10 batters against Ferris on Tuesday, but his contributions didn't stop at the mound. The Gonzaga Prep ace went 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs, leading the Bullpups to a dominant 12-2 victory that improved their record to 8-3.

This is the kind of two-way excellence that defines state-championship-contending teams. Croall's complete game shutout of Ferris's offense, combined with his offensive production, exemplifies the depth and talent Gonzaga Prep brings to this competitive league. Anthony Karis and Jacob Wilson each drove in two runs for G-Prep, while Ferris's Colton Smith managed a two-run double in the losing effort. The Saxons' 5-5 record suggests they have talent, but Tuesday's lopsided loss shows the gap between the league's elite and middle tier.

Strong Performances Across the League

Tuesday's GSL action showcased excellent pitching throughout. Monroe's Caleb Campbell earned a complete-game shutout over Mead with just one hit allowed over six innings, striking out six in the Bearcats' 8-0 nonleague victory. AJ Welch went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs for Monroe, demonstrating the offensive firepower needed to match dominant pitching.

As these teams continue their spring campaigns, performances like Pounder's and Croall's remind Washington prep baseball fans why this state produces top-tier talent year after year, with several of these Spokane-area players likely headed for college ball and beyond.

This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.