May 10, 2023
ISSUE 19
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Photo courtesy Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad recently announced it is entering final negotiations to begin operating steam train excursions from Chehalis this summer. Western Forest Industries Museum acquired MRSR in 2022 with the intention of expanding operations to Eatonville.
Photo by Sara Rath Eatonville's Joe Suver looks towards the Cruiser dugout and celebrates as he got the scoring started with an RBI single in the second inning. Eatonville went on to win, 3-2, to clinch a berth into the district playoffs.
Cruisers cage Grizzlies, clinch berth to district playoffs By Skip Smith
Contributing writer
All games are important throughout the baseball season, but none were more important than the Cruisers’ final game of the season against the Hoquiam Grizzlies. The two teams split their two-game series earlier in the season and were tied for fourth place in league play. A win by either team would send them to the district playoffs, and a loss would end the other's season. It was also Senior Night for the four Cruiser seniors who were playing in what could be their last game. With the season on the line, coach Doug Fillbach handed the ball to Payton Hanly to get the start on the mound for Eatonville. Hanly pitched the Cruisers to two of their four wins already this season. He did not disappoint.
In front of a large home crowd, the junior starter pitched 4.1 innings of threehit ball while only giving up two runs and striking out five. He gave way to freshman Colton Herbrand, who had picked up one of the Cruiser wins earlier in the year, in the top of the fifth inning to finish the game. Herbrand held the Grizzlies scoreless for the final 2.2 innings to pick up his first career save as the Cruisers defeated the Grizzlies 3-2 to lock up fourth place in the 1A Evergreen League and clinch the No. 4 seed into the 1A SWW District Playoffs. Offensively, Eatonville did all their damage early, scoring all three runs in the second inning. Senior Joe Suver got the scoring started when he ripped a line drive to left field, BASEBALL Page 3Æ
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad back in operation sooner than predicted Courtesy Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad has announced it will open RailCycle Mt. Rainier, a new rail bike attraction, and is entering final negotiations to begin operating steam train excursions from Chehalis this summer — a full two years sooner than predicted. RailCycle Mt. Rainier, is a family-friendly pedalpowered rail bike excursion that offers a chance to experience the Pacific Northwest’s history of logging and railroading while enjoying views of glacially fed rivers and streams. RailCycles takes advantage of both railroad and bicycle technology to ensure that they are easy to pedal and accessible for many. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is finalizing negotiations with Chehalis Centralia Railroad and Museum to lease its rail line, station and event space to operate summer and fall excursions. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad leadership intends to bring steam engine Polson 70, along with several passenger cars, to Chehalis for the summer operation, which features family-friendly excursions, barbecue and blues trains and beer-tasting trains. Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad began working to restore the track to service, particularly focusing on expansion to operate out of Eatonville. While this work remains ongoing and fundraising efforts are taking place, MRSR is unable to operate on its own line. CCRM has been unable to obtain liability insurance, due to two crashes involving CCRM’s trains and resulting pending RAILROAD Page 4Æ