Two close losses for Chiefs

WALLA WALLA - A trip to Walla Walla ended with two tough losses for the Moses Lake Chiefs baseball team on Tuesday.

The Chiefs (5-11, 2-6) dropped both games of a doubleheader with the host Devils, falling 2-1 and 9-8.

"These were some winnable games against a great team," Chiefs interim head coach Quintz Whitaker said. "Defensively we need to pick things up.  We play well in spurts but consistency throughout and playing better for longer is what wins big games."

In game one, the teams were involved in a pitching dual with the Chiefs' Mitch Yada keeping Walla Walla in check through four innings.

Moses Lake led 1-0 before Walla Walla rallied to take the lead and held off two Moses Lake pushes to gain back the edge.

"This game was the perfect example of little things making a big difference," Whitaker said.  "I was real pleased with the way Mitch battled on the mound."

The nightcap saw the teams battle back and fourth early before Walla Walla broke out to an 8-2 lead.

The Chiefs wouldn't give up and they made a push to tie things and send the game into extra innings.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Walla Walla won with a one-out sacrifice fly.

"I was very pleased with the way we battled back," Whitaker said. "Our approach at the plate was consistent and gave us a chance to win.  We just need to play a full couple of games.  Luckily we will get that chance next week."

The Chiefs also announced that the Ed McNamara scholarship fund dinner will take place on Friday, April 29.  A BBQ dinner will be served from 5-7 p.m. while that night's game starts at 4 p.m.