Moses Lake softball sweeps Eastmont

EAST WENATCHEE - The Chiefs (8-1) strolled into Wildcat country for doubleheader action Friday looking to earn a split at the very least, and knock Eastmont (8-2) from the undefeated ranks and stay within reach of first place in the Big 9 standings.

But Moses Lake took both games to leapfrog over the Wildcats and now lead the league by a game with six left in the regular season.

"We picked up a couple of hugs wins," coach Dave Gregory said. "I think the girls were a little embarrassed after Tuesdays loss (to Eastmont) at home. So we practiced hard over the next couple of days, and the coaches got everyone on the same page and we got it done."

Game 1

The Chiefs had little trouble with the Wildcats in a 9-0 shutout in the first game of the twin bill. The contest was scoreless through the first two innings of play. But Moses Lake exploded for eight in the top of the third, and then added one in the top of the sixth to cruise to the win.

"Haylie VanLaethem totally dominated from the circle," Gregory said. "She gave up just two hits and only allowed four Eastmont batters to get on base. Our defense came up big for us as well."

Jazmyn Jesse had the hot bat for the Chiefs, going three-for-three at the plate with 2 RBI. Tressa Radach was three-for four with an RBI.

Game 2

VanLaethem had three hits in four plate appearances with a 3-run home run and 5 RBI, and Brianna Valdez was three-for-five with a triple and 4 RBI in a 19-5 win in the second game of the twin bill.

Eastmont got out to a 3-0 lead after the first inning of action. Moses Lake answered back with two runs in the top of the second to close the gap to 3-2. A run in the bottom of the second and third innings stretched the Wildcats lead to 5-2.

The Chiefs tied the game 5-5 with three runs in the top of the fifth, then busted the game wide open with a 14-run sixth to win going away.

"I've never had an inning like that against a quality team in all of my years coaching," Gregory said. "We had 11 hits and produced 14 runs."

VanLaethem got the start again for Moses Lake and recorded her second win of the day.

"We were able to get everyone into the game in this one," Gregory said. "We have a strong bench ... probably the best group of subs I've ever had. I'm not afraid to put any of the girls in the lineup."

The wins over Eastmont give the Chiefs a one game lead in the standings with six left to go. Moses Lake is back on the diamond for a single game at home Tuesday at 5 p.m. against thrid-place Wenatchee, then takes to the road for a twin bill against the Panthers May 3. The Chiefs finish out the regular season with three games against Eisenhower (1-6).

"Wenatchee is always tough, and you cannot take Eisenhower for granted," Gregory said. "But if we play our game, we should be in good shape,"

If the Chiefs are able to take the series from the Panthers and Cadets, Moses Lake should finish as league champion and the No. 1 seed for the upcoming district tournament, which means the Chiefs and will host the first round of the playoffs May 18.

"Our destiny is in our own hands," Gregory said. "We just need to go out and take care of business."