The youngest group of Powell Pioneers wrapped up their 2021 season earlier this month, and it was a successful campaign. They went 1-2 at the Wyoming American Legion Baseball Class C State Tournament to finish the year 14-19. 

Powell’s C team kicked off the July 15-18 tournament against Cheyenne Post 6, falling 13-3. The Pioneers’ only offensive spurt came in the fourth inning when they crossed the plate three times, shrinking Cheyenne’s lead to 6-3. Max Reynolds, Ben Ostermiller and Kaden Jones drove in runs. 

However, Cheyenne scored seven runs in the next two innings, allowing them to clinch a six-inning mercy rule win. 

With elimination on the line, the Pioneers answered the call. Their bats came alive in the middle innings against host Rock Springs, scoring 14 runs between innings three and five. They added one in the seventh to clinch a 15-9 win and stay alive.

Rowan Diaz was Powell’s top hitter in the win, notching three hits and four quality at-bats.

But the Pioneers’ season came to an end the next day, as their pitchers couldn’t contain Lovell’s bats in a 12-2 loss. 

While a shorter run than manager Tyler Feller would have liked, he was still pleased with his team’s effort throughout the tourney.

“We stayed competitive with the older teams, making them work and [stay] on their toes,” Feller said. “I know that they all gave me 100% and finished their year fighting.”

After a shaky start to the year, Powell showed growth over the course of the season. The Pioneers entered state on a four-game winning streak, which included a sweep of Cody.

“As the season grew and the kids got to know each other better, we started winning more games and having fun while doing so,” Feller said. 

Feller noted Max Reynolds as the team’s top overall player, leading the team with a .400 batting average and four wins on the mound. He also singled out catcher Ben Ostermiller, who threw out 10 baserunners trying to stealing.

As this group of 12- to 14-year-olds continues to rise through the program, Feller looks forward to seeing how they develop.

“I really like to see how far the kids have grown in both size and knowledge of the game as they get older,” he said. “I would call it a really great season overall.”