Othello's Ochoa wins 300th game

OTHELLO — The defending Washington Interscholastic Activities Association 2A softball state champion Othello Huskies continued their title defense Tuesday afternoon, sweeping a home doubleheader against the visiting Quincy Jacks.

The Huskies cruised to a 16-0 victory in the first game of the doubleheader and Othello improved to 3-0 this season. Tuesday’s game-one victory also was Othello head coach Rudy Ochoa’s 300th win of his career.

Ochoa, who is in his 13th season with the Othello softball program, has claimed two state championships and has won 87 percent of his game’s following Tuesday’s victory over Quincy.

Othello Athletic Director Pete Patitucci said Ochoa’s 300th win was impressive.

“(Ochoa) is fantastic,” Patitucci said. “He has put together great teams (at Othello).”

Game one of the doubleheader was a 16-0 blow out with the game being called after five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule. If either team is ahead by more than 10 runs after the trailing team has batted five times, the game is over.

The Huskies’ bats got hot to start game one and Othello held a 12-0 lead by the end third inning and Othello cruised to the win.

After his 300th victory came after the game one win, Ochoa credited his team’s talent with his opportunity to achieve the coaching milestone.

“Sure, I get credited with the wins, but it’s the girls here in Othello who have done all the work,” he said. “It’s been great working with the girls.”

With Ochoa’s 300th win under their belts, the Huskies got off to another fast start in game two. Othello took a 3-0 lead into the top of the third inning before the Jacks managed to score four runs to take a 4-3 lead. The 4-3 advantage in the top of the third inning was Quincy’s only lead of the day.

Othello came back in the bottom of the third with nine unanswered runs and the Huskies took a commanding 12-4 lead.

The Huskies held on to win game two 12-4 and Ochoa won the 301st game of his long career. Ochoa is now 301-46 at Othello

Ochoa said he was able to get all of his players into Tuesday afternoon’s games.

“We got out to an early lead (that) gave everybody a chance to play,” Ochoa said.

Othello improved 4-0 this season after sweeping Grandview in their season opener.

The Huskies travel to Wapato Thursday for a doubleheader against the Wolves.