Ephrata Tigers Finish Second in Tillage League Tournament

Tournament Overview

The Ephrata Tigers wrapped up their summer season on July 15 in front of local fans, taking second place in the Tillage League postseason bracket. Coach David Tempel praised the effort, noting the team’s growth despite a bittersweet finish. The weekend marked a fitting conclusion to a summer of intense competition and development.

Tempel highlighted the squad’s collective commitment, pointing to improved chemistry and a more united approach to the game. He credited the league’s format for helping players sharpen their skills against stiff competition. The coach’s confidence in the program’s future is buoyed by the positive feedback from both players and spectators.

Midweek Wins and Pitching Dominance

After a solid 2‑0 victory over Monarch Baseball Club on Thursday, the Tigers returned to action Friday and dominated Milton Freewater Twins 6‑0. Ephrata opened the scoring in the second inning with a single run, then added three more in the fourth before wrapping up two insurance runs later. The win secured their second tournament triumph.

Pitching performances were a key factor. Starter Cale Fronsman logged three strikeouts, while Caleb Froewiss, Jaxson Uribe and Mayson Stredwick combined for an additional three strikeouts. The staff limited Milton to just three hits, a testament to their defensive coordination.

Championship Game vs Kittitas County

Saturday saw the Tigers face Monarch in a low‑scoring semifinal, prevailing 1‑0 after a wild pitch in the bottom of the seventh let C Iverson score. Caleb Froewiss pitched a complete seven‑inning gem, allowing two hits and recording two strikeouts.

Sunday’s championship pitted Ephrata against the Kittitas County Cowboys. The Cowboys jumped out early, scoring two runs in the first, two in the third and three in the fourth, leaving Ephrata scoreless through four frames. The Tigers erupted for five runs in the top of the fifth: Mayson Stredwick and Andrew Rowlands earned walks, Caleb Froewiss drove in a run on a fielder’s choice, and Clayton Wolther singled home two more.

Kittitas answered with three more runs in the fifth and three in the sixth, stretching their cushion. Ephrata managed a lone run in the seventh but fell short, 12‑6. In the game, Fronsman, Wolther, Uribe and Stredwick combined for seven strikeouts.

Individual Honors and Coaching Reflections

Ephrata’s catcher, Mitchell Johnson, was named to the Tillage League All‑Star team, recognizing his defensive work behind the plate. Coach Tempel described the second‑place finish as a major leap forward for the program. He noted noticeable improvements in player versatility, with many athletes comfortable taking extra innings or filling different defensive roles.

Tempel emphasized the boost in team chemistry, saying the culture shifted toward a more collective focus. The consistent attendance at practices, workouts and games underscored a new level of dedication across all age groups. He believes the league’s competitive environment helped expose skill gaps and accelerated growth.

Looking ahead, Tempel expects the momentum to carry into the next season. Players will take time to rest but are encouraged to stay active, swinging bats and throwing balls with teammates. The goal is to enter March prepared to build on the summer’s gains and continue the upward trajectory of the Tigers program.

Box Scores

• Friday: EPHT 0‑1‑0‑3‑1‑1‑0 : 6 | MLTN 0‑0‑0‑0‑0‑0‑0 : 0
• Saturday: MNRC 0‑0‑0‑0‑0‑0‑0 : 0 | EPHT 0‑0‑0‑0‑0‑0‑1 : 1
• Sunday: EPHT 0‑0‑0‑0‑5‑0‑1 : 6 | KCCW 2‑0‑2‑3‑2‑3‑x : 12