Without a senior on its roster, the Phoenix baseball team was definitely in building mode in 2022. The Pirates posted an overall mark of 6-19, including a 4-11 campaign in the Skyline Conference. The fourth-place Skyline finish was just enough to earn a spot in the 4A play-in round where Phoenix dropped a 10-0 decision at Newport on May 19. A first-inning single by Ryan Watts was the offensive highlight as Phoenix was unable to generate a run at Newport. Meanwhile, the host Cubs scored seven times in the first inning on the way to the five-inning victory.  

The Phoenix High School baseball team is thinking post-season. While last week's series against Mazama didn't help the Pirates cause, they continue to show encouraging signs as the season progresses. Without a senior on the team, Phoenix started 4-2 in Skyline Conference play before dropping all three games to Mazama. Still, PHS is ranked 26th in the state heading into the final two series of the season against No. 7 Henley and top-ranked Hidden Valley. Consistency has been the biggest challenge for the Pirates as they've struggled to put together a complete game. After dropping a hard-fought 4-2 decision to Mazama in Saturday's opener, Phoenix was dominated 10-2 in the nightcap. Earlier in the week the team found itself in a scoreless tie with Mazama in the series opener before a couple of late errors led to trouble in a 5-0 loss. Junior righthander Julius Bolstad has been the team's top pitcher while Andrew Hull, also a junior, has started to log solid innings as well. Hull went six strong innings in the opener against Mazama. Hull does the catching when he's not on the mound. The infield includes Kaeden Sousa at third, Ryan Watts at second, Carver Wolowicz at second and Bolstad at first. Jackson Shilts also sees time at catcher when he's not in the outfield that includes Chance Sherrell in left, Dominic Crenshaw or Shilts in center and Tanner Norris in right. Corey Cunningham is the designated hitter or plays first base. PHS was set to open a three-game series at Henley on Tuesday. The series is scheduled to continue on Friday afternoon at Colver Field in Talent.