By Jeremy Martin

Despite the faint hint of winter’s chill still lingering in the air, the Safeco Field High School Baseball Classic kicked off without a hitch Saturday afternoon as West Seattle took on Issaquah to start the 2014 season.

The cozy confines of the Mariner’s home field helped create an energy filled atmosphere for both fans and players alike and the wildcats took full advantage jumping out to an early lead.

But this was a low scoring affair, as many early season baseball games are, and West Seattle let a 1-0 lead slip away, falling to the Eagles 2-1.

Tied at one in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Eagles Jacob McBride made a great memory in his lone at bat of the game slapping a two out double down the left field line.

The reserve outfielder picked up the game winning RBI when third baseman Nik Sutherland sprinted home, scoring from second base.

The Wildcats had an opportunity to break the game open with one out in the top of the fifth when Eagles’ relief pitcher Jack Dellinger plunked West Seattle catcher Jonny Mai, loading the bases for left fielder Bobby Swamy.

Though he had a good night, making it on base twice, stealing two bases and driving in the game’s first run, Swami would strike out in the fifth just before Cameron Saddler’s inning ending ground out, which stranded three and ended the Wildcats best chance for a late game lead.

West Seattle starting pitcher Jake Magera pitched through the fourth, striking out two, walking three and allowing one run on two hits.

Ryan Peart began the game on the hill for the Eagles, lasting through three, striking out three, walking two and giving up one run on two hits.

Shortstop Morgan McCullough went 2-4 for West Seattle including a lead off single to open the game.

Jamie Maples scored the Wildcats lone run on a bases loaded walk.

Mitchell Morimoto, Robert Ball, Erik Erickson and Sutherland all went 1-3 for the Eagles.