The Door County League delivered another dramatic showdown when the Ports hosted Washington Island at their home diamond. Fresh off a promising spring training, 19‑year‑old right‑hander Peyton Kuehn took the mound for his professional debut, immediately drawing attention with a fastball that topped 95 miles per hour.
A Pitching Duel for the Ages
Kuehn’s first stint on the mound was nothing short of spectacular. Over four innings he allowed just two hits, struck out five batters and kept the Islanders scoreless. After his outing he jogged to center field, a move that underscored his versatility and willingness to contribute wherever needed. His composure on the mound was evident even as he confessed to feeling a lingering fatigue after 88 pitches.
The Islanders, however, were not relying on a single arm. Manager Joe Cornell highlighted the depth of his bullpen, pointing to veterans Ryan Jorgenson and Jon Kordon as the backbone of the staff. Both relievers entered the game in the fifth inning and immediately tightened the reins, limiting the Ports to just two runs over the final five frames. Their ability to mix speeds and locate pitches proved decisive in preserving the lead.
When the final out was recorded, the scoreboard read 6‑2 in favor of Washington Island. The victory moved the Islanders into a three‑way tie for first place with perennial contenders Kolberg and Sister Bay, a development that has sparked early season chatter about a potential league championship race.
The Ports, meanwhile, faced a setback that manager Eric Bley described as a learning opportunity. Starter C.J. Goetz, in his second full season in the league, struggled with command, issuing a series of walks that paved the way for the Islanders’ rally. Bley emphasized that reducing free passes will be a focal point of upcoming practices, noting that the team’s long‑term goal is to transform a promising roster into a consistently competitive unit.
Adding to the Ports’ narrative, star hitter Alec Schartner remains sidelined while he recuperates from a biceps injury. Though his bat will be missed for the time being, teammates and coaches alike remain optimistic that the slugger’s return could provide the spark needed to lift the club out of its early‑season slump.