This past week, Timpview baseball took on the Wasatch Wasps in their 3rd region series of the year. The Timpview Baseball team has not won a single region game, losing to Cedar Valley twice, Salem Hills twice, Wasatch twice, Orem twice, and Maple Mountain twice.  That being said, this specific Timpview baseball game was more important than most.

In the second game against Wasatch, players Elliot Myers (#2) and Zeke Kleven (#18) were ejected from the game. Timpview, a team often known for its struggle in high-stakes games, held their own against Wasatch through most of the early innings. In the 5th inning, a controversial call triggered player Elliot Myers, resulting in a disagreement with the umpire after he was denied a check-swing appeal to the first-base umpire.

In the top of the 7th inning, Wasatch hit a go-ahead home-run, reclaiming the lead. The situation escalated when Timpview’s pitcher, Gonzalez, hit the next Wasatch batter. Though unintentional, it added fuel to the fire.  The Wasatch batter took offense, unleashing a verbal tirade as he made his way to first base. “He was flipping off our pitcher and cussing him out on his way down to first,” Zeke said. Instead of penalizing the Wasatch player for his unsportsmanlike behavior, the umpire ejected player Elliot Myers who told the Wasatch players to “shut the frick up.” The ejection of Myers promoted Kleven to intervene. “I come in and I’m yelling at the umpire, and it’s a fair reaction for sure… ish,” Zeke admitted, acknowledging that emotions had run high on both sides.

Ultimately, the game spiraled out of control in the final inning, when Wasatch tackled more runs and secured a 12-3 win. While Timpview’s record may reflect another loss, the game against Wasatch showed the teams fighting spirit.