River Dogs dominate South Kitsap

River Dogs 16

South Kitsap 1

EPHRATA - Randy Boruff's Columbia Basin River Dog team began the Babe Ruth state tournament the same way it ended last weekend's Bear Invitational in Walla Walla, by scoring runs.

The River Dogs capitalized on two South Kitsap pitching changes in the first inning to jump on top of South Kitsap 9-0. The River Dogs closed out the five inning game with a 16-1 victory. The game was called after five innings because the River Dogs were leading by 10 runs after five innings.

Boruff said his team can not take this win lightly.

"You don't learn a lot from these kind of games," he said. "You still have to play hard, and stay focused."

The River Dogs bats were hot, the team was solid defensively, committing only one error.

South Kitsap did not have an answer for River Dogs starting pitcher Travis Ruffin.

Ruffin changed speeds and kept South Kitsap batters off balance in his four innings of work, allowing only one run on two hits.

"Travis throws strikes and changes speeds," Boruff said before the game.

While his team was stretching for Wednesday night's game, Boruff said the River Dogs were prepared for its first tournament game.

"When you get to this chapter in the season, they all know what they need to do," he said.

Boruff was right.

Shortstop Devin Thaut started the scoring with an RBI double in the first inning. Boruff said Thaut is one of the best players he has.

"Our shortstop is a special player," he said before the game.

The River Dogs took advantage of 16 hits in five innings to distance themselves from South Kitsap at Ephrata High School.

After Wednesday night's victory, Boruff said he was satisfied with his team's performance.

"Our team has been hitting the ball pretty well lately," he said. "We are a good defensive team, so when you hit the ball a little bit, pitchers can throw."

Boruff said his team will be ready for tonight's game against the Seattle Pilots.

"We have a tough one," he said. "[The River Dogs] better be ready to play, because you are only as good as your last game."