The lack of a timely hit haunted the Coupeville High School baseball team in its 3-1 loss at Friday Harbor Saturday, March 26.

The Wolves couldn’t produce enough offense to take advantage of a strong performance by CJ Smith, who pitched “a great game,” according to coach Marc Aparicio.

Smith tossed a four-hitter, striking out nine, walking none, hitting two and allowing two earned runs.

Coupeville recorded only four hits, three coming with one out in the sixth inning when Smith, Cole Payne and Julian Welling hit consecutive singles to load the bases. A double play ended the threat.

The Wolves also hit into a double play after Hunter Smith opened the game with a walk.

Coupeville stranded four runners in scoring position.

Coupeville scored its only run in the third inning when Jake Hoagland walked and scored on Hunter Smith’s triple.

Friday Harbor scored twice in the second inning on a walk, double and a ground out.

The Wolverines (3-0) tacked on a run in the sixth after a hit, fielder’s choice and two errors.

Coupeville (2-4) has three games this week. It goes to Lynden Christian (2-4) at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, and South Whidbey (2-2) at noon Saturday, April 2, sandwiched around the conference opener at home with Port Townsend (0-4) at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 31.