CDN Game of the Week: Mount Vernon at Anacortes
When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3
Mount Vernon record: 4-2
Anacortes record: 4-4
Final prediction: Mount Vernon 8-3
Mount Vernon and Anacortes have an early matchup to remain atop of the Northwest Conference standings. The Bulldogs are coming off a runner-up finish in the 3A state tournament last year. After a slow start to this season, Mount Vernon is now averaging 7.7 runs per game and allowing 3.3.
Anacortes has won four of its last five games and is averaging 6.3 runs per game. The Seahawks return a handful of all-conference selections to the mound and infield. They will have to play nearly perfect defense to shut down the Bulldogs’ bats during the game.
Mount Vernon player to watch: Senior infielder Xavier Neyens
Neyens is ranked as a top-10 MLB Draft prospect this summer. The senior third baseman and shortstop recently had a few hits, earned four runs and tallied four stolen bases in an 11-1 victory against Bellingham. The left-handed hitter has also piled up a couple of home runs so far this season.
Anacortes player to watch: Senior pitcher Jake Andrew
If Andrew is on the mound, he will be facing one of the most talented lineups in the state. He is the former first-team all-conference pitcher. In a 9-1 victory against Sehome this season, Andrew tallied nine strikeouts and only allowed two hits. He has also been effective as a hitter, picking up a home run earlier this season against Columbia River.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
