Playback: Rivals, alumni battle once again

By Mark Klaas • September 13, 2017 2:30 pm
Jacob Phillips, a 2010 Auburn Mountainview graduate, fires a pitch during an alumni baseball game between the Lions and rival Auburn on the Auburn Mountainview High School diamond last Saturday. Phillips, who coaches at Pierce College, joined other top players from Auburn’s past glory days for a friendly game. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter

Top high school baseball players from Auburn’s yesteryear gathered for a friendly alumni game at Auburn Mountainview High School last Saturday.

Auburn defeated Auburn Mountainview 5-1 in the inaugural matchup behind the MVP performance of Brent Botkin, a 2005 graduate, who went 1-for-3 at the plate with a double and a run scored. He also was the winning pitcher, going six strong innings and allowing only two hits and one run, which was unearned.

Botkin went on to play at Skagit Valley Community College and Central Washington University, where he earned his degree in education. He is a P.E. teacher at Alpac Elementary School in the Auburn School District.

Brian Sahlin went 2-for-4, smashing a two-run home run and scoring himself, and Jared Simon hit a two-run shot for the Trojans.

Ryan Anderson went 2-for-3 for the the Lions.

Brent Botkin unleashes a pitch for Auburn. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter

Brent Botkin unleashes a pitch for Auburn. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter

Matt Anderson charges to third base for the Lions. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter

Matt Anderson charges to third base for the Lions. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter

Rivals, competitors and friends came together for an afternoon of baseball. COURTESY PHOTO

Rivals, competitors and friends came together for an afternoon of baseball. COURTESY PHOTO