Ephrata lets lead slip away, loses to Clarkston

Tigers give up three runs in seventh inning

YAKIMA — The Ephrata Tigers' Tyler Lesko allowed just one hit though six innings, but the Clarkston Bantams scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning to defeat the CWAC district champs 3-1 Saturday. The loss eliminated Ephrata from the regional tournament and ends the Tigers' season.

With one out in the seventh inning, Clarkston got just their second hit of the game off Lesko, a pinch-hit double to put a runner in scoring position. Lesko came back to strike out the next batter and get the Tigers within one out of victory.

The runner at second then moved to third on a passed ball, putting even more pressure on the Ephrata defense.

The Clarkston hitter swung and missed at a 2-2 pitch, but the ball got by the Ephrata catcher allowing the batter to reach base and the man on third to score.

The game now tied at one, Clarkston followed up with a double to put runners on second and third and then a single that gave the Bantams a 3-1 lead.

Ephrata got out of the inning without any further damage, but could do nothing in the bottom of the seventh.

"We had it, but we lost it," said Ephrata coach Jason Laugen of the Tigers' game with Clarkston. "It's a real tough loss."

Tyson Hubbard led the Ephrata offense against Clarkston, going 2 for 4 with a triple, a double and a run scored. Lesko was the only other Tiger with multiple hits Saturday, finishing the game 2 for 3 from the plate.

While the late game loss was a difficult way end the season for the Tigers' first-year coach, Laugen is proud of his team's accomplishments over the spring.

"A lot of people didn't expect us to go far," said Laugen of the expectations others had for Ephrata entering the season with a new coach and only two seniors on the roster. "We're probably the youngest team in the league."

Ephrata finished second in CWAC league play with a 14-4 record and defeated league champion Selah Vikings for the district title.