CK’s Stilley stiff arms Stadium

When Central Kitsap coach Bill Baxter says last Thursday was the best performance he’s seen from his ace lefty, it means something.

CK’s David Stilley, already committed to Washington State University, shut down the Stadium Tigers, striking out 16 batters while allowing just two hits in the complete game win.

“David threw an outstanding game,” Baxter said. “He’s throwing the ball as well as he’s ever thrown playing for me.”

CK topped Stadium in a 1-0 pitchers’ duel, keeping the Cougars (6-5) in a four-team tie for the fourth and final playoff spot with about three weeks left in the season.

“It was a pitchers’ duel,” Baxter said. “Their pitcher (Cody Goodfellow) did real well too. But David was just in total command of that game. He had great location on his fastball. And his breaking ball was moving real well.”

The Cougars scored when Daniel Zylstra crossed home plate on an error in the top of the seventh. In contrast, Stadium had just one runner reach third base in the game.

CK is tied with Olympia, Gig Harbor and surprising Foss.

The loss was the second this season for Stadium (7-2). At 9-2, North Kitsap now leads the league.

Baxter isn’t surprised about the jumble.

“I knew it was gonna be like this,” he said. “Not to say that the other teams aren’t good, but I don’t think we’ll see anyone better. Now it’s just a matter of going out and taking care of business.”

Something Stilley certainly did Thursday. While Stilley will have offseason surgery, Baxter said the looming procedure hasn’t had any effect on his starter thus far.

“If he’s not healthy now, I’d hate to see him when he is,” Baxter said.

CK played Bellarmine last night but results were unavailable at press time.

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