The boys baseball season is just getting started, and the Three Rivers League is arguably the toughest league in the state. The Lakeridge Pacers won the league title, but West Linn Lions captured the state title in 2022. Those two teams — along with Tualatin — are expected to battle for the league title in 2023.
Here’s a preview of the Three Rivers League with teams listed in alphabetical order:
LAKE OSWEGO LAKERS
Coach: Jake Anders, 25th season
2022 record: 15-14
All-league players departed: Blaise Heher, P/OF; Kellen Krebs, U; Elijah Meade, DH; Matthew Mathaney, OF; Andrew Wong, INF
Players to watch: Jonah Barkoff, SR, P; Declan Francis, SR, P; Grant Maxwell, SR, SS; Brodie Heher, JR, 2B; Vince Williams, JR, OF; Sam Trojan, JR, C/1B
Outlook: The Lakers are inexperienced after losing seven starters from the team that reach the quarterfinal round of the state tournament in 2022. Maxwell is a three-year starter who anchors the defense. The Lakers have just two pitchers with varsity experience. They could struggle early in the season to get their footing, but competing in the tough TRL will help them get battle-tested.
LAKERIDGE PACERS
Coach: Ray Pearson, 3rd season
2022 record: 25-6
All-league players departed: Mason Utech, C; Gus Rogers, 1B/P; Zack Johnson, INF; Beau Spiekerman, INF; Alou Dechard, OF; Zach Johnson, P;
Players to watch: Paul Wilson, SR, P; Dawson Santana, SR, INF; Erik Hoffberg, SR, P;
Outlook: Pearson did not respond to requests for comment.
OREGON CITY PIONEERS
Coach: Justin Bugni, 2nd season
2022 record: 4-22
All-league players departed: Colin Grimmer, P/SS; Dylan Ha, P/2B; Autie Oistad, 1B
Players to watch: Dane Lais, SR, P/1B; Rocco Loftis, SR, P/OF; Ryder Loftis, JR, P/C; Jack Turnquist, SR, P/1B/OF
Outlook: The Pioneers are young with a ton of potential. Can they tap into that potential and make some noise in the TRL?
TIGARD TIGERS
Coach: James Leach, 3rd season
2022 record: 10-17
All-league players departed: Charlie Peters, OF
Players to watch: JD Cannon, SR, 2B; Isaac Hertzog, SR, SS; Buddy Brands, SR, P/1B; Henry Masters, SR, OF; Kaden Duchene, SR, OF; Sam Penn, SR, INF; Griffin O’Neil, JR, INF; Jackson Barnachea, JR, C
Outlook: The Tigers will boast plenty of experience, with many players possessing two or three years of varsity experience. Brands was a first team all-league selection as a pitcher last season. Hertzog and Duchene were second-team selections in 2022. The Tigers also are looking to talented first-year varsity players to contribute.
TUALATIN TIMBERWOLVES
Coach: Jacob Austin, 5th season
2022 record: 16-12
All-league players departed: Griffin Biggs, OF; Ryan Morrison, P; Michael Miller, C; Paul Moeggenberg, OF; Aidan Howard, OF; Logan Larrance, P; Spencer Simon, P
Players to watch: Ethan Matsuoka, JR, INF; Nolan McCormack, JR, DH; Isaac Pfeifer, SO, INF
Outlook: Austin did not respond to requests for comment.
WEST LINN LIONS
Coach: Joe Monahan, 10th season
2022 record: 25-7
All-league players departed: Kace Naone, SS; Jeremy Levassuer, 2B; Spenser Sullivan
Players to watch: Jackson Curdy, SR, 3B; Drew Talavs, SR, P; Drake Gabel, SR, P/OF; Gabe Howard, JR, P; Ryan Vandenbrink, JR, C; Baron Naone, SO, OF
Outlook: The defending state champs are powered by Talavs, who went 9-2 and was a second team all-state selection last season and a Oregon State commit. Howard is an Oregon commit. Vandenbrink was a second-team all-state selection and he’ll also be playing for the Beavers. The Lions return six position starters from last year and they will be contending for their second consecutive state title.
