Challengers rally past Alaska, with coach on ice

PIERRE WEIL / CHRONICLE PHOTO. Challengers pitcher Collin Hernandez throws during the team’s 9-8 victory over Eagle River (Alaska) last week. Hernandez was one of six current or former Thurston athletes to start for the Challengers in the game.

EUGENE – After a coach ejection, five balks, and the distracting environment of sporadic firework blasts surrounding the stadium, the Eugene Challengers took down Eagle River, the three time defending Alaska State Champs, 9-8 in their opening game of the 2024 Papa’s Pizza Tournament in their home stadium for a festive Fourth of July.

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