Soap Lake survives late Davenport run
Pam Robel/Columbia Basin Herald<br>Jordan Davis pitches in the fourth inning for Soap Lake.
SOAP LAKE — Jordan Davis got the hitting started for the Eagles in the bottom of the second and brought in the first of four runs in the inning on Soap Lake's way to victory over Davenport.
The Gorillas were able to battle back from a 14-8 deficit but lost 14-11.
"It was nice to swing the bats and get some hits," said head coach Dan Andrews.
Two batters after Davis singled to begin the inning, Collin Barnes earned a single of his own and drove in Davis.
Rylei Franks was walked on the next at bat to load the bases for Soap Lake.
Micah LaPlante took to the plate with his three teammates poised to score. Barnes came across the plate on a wild pitch by Davenport. Franks then crossed the dish on a single from LaPlante to make it 5-1.
Brad Hitzroth drove in the final run of the inning for the Eagles, sending LaPlante across the plate after singling and getting tagged out at first.
In the fifth inning Davenport was able to score three runs to tie the game at eight.
The Eagles scored another three runs in the bottom of the inning to regain the lead.
It was Davis who again started the hits for Soap Lake, singling and stealing second before Barnes got to the batter's box for the Eagles. Barnes singled and advanced Davis to third.
With Davis on third and Barnes on second, LaPlante belted a double to drive both runners in and position himself for a run.
During Hitzroth's at bat, LaPlante stole third and was driven home when Hitzroth singled to make it 11-8. Hitzroth was left on base after stealing second.
In the top of the sixth LaPlante struck out two consecutive Davenport hitters to keep Soap Lake in the game defensively.
Thad Tuetken was first to bat in the sixth for Soap Lake and was walked before Blake Alexander got on base for the Eagles.
Barnes came to bat with two men on and two outs. He belted a double and drove in both runners to extend the lead.
Franks was walked on the next at bat and that left two runners on for LaPlante. LaPlante singled, bringing Barnes home for Soap Lake's final score of the game.
The last test for the Eagles was to hold Davenport on defense.
In the final inning LaPlante gave up four runs and six hits.
LaPlante led the team hitting 4-for-5 with three singles, a double and three RBIs. Barnes hit 5-for-5 with three singles, a double and two RBIs. Hitzroth hit 4-for-5 with three singles and two RBIs.