Federal Way’s Hoeft leads Eagles to victory over Lions

Federal Way defeated Auburn Mountainview 6-2 on Monday in NPSL baseball

More than halfway into the league scramble, Federal Way High School is in a familiar spot.

Since splitting a pair with its south neighbors, Todd Beamer, the Eagles have reeled off six wins, the latest a 6-2 victory at Auburn Mountainview on Monday night. The Eagles completed the series sweep, beating the Lions 3-0 at home on April 5.

Pitcher Tyler Hoeft, a sophomore, overcame a bumpy first inning, settled in and tossed a four-hit, complete-game gem as the Eagles maintained a 1½-game lead over the rival Titans atop the North Puget Sound League Olympic Division race. Hoeft struck out six and walked three in a 94-pitch outing.

Federal Way, looking to repeat as division champion, improved to 7-1 in league, 8-4 overall. The Eagles are scheduled to play host to Enumclaw on Wednesday.

Auburn Mountainview dropped to 5-3 and 5-8.

Trailing 2-0, the Eagles took flight on Jaylen Proctor’s run-scoring triple in the second inning and Joshua Mears’ two-run homer in the third inning for a 3-2 lead.

Federal Way produced a run each in the fifth, sixth and seventh inning to preserve the win. Brandham Ponce went 3 for 3, drilling three doubles and driving in two runs.

Federal Way High School’s Tyler Hoeft delivers a pitch during the Eagles’ 6-2 victory over the Auburn Mountainview Lions on Monday. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter