Spuds split games with Apple Valley Packers

MOSES LAKE - The Spuds have put together a nice run as the season is coming to an end, taking three out of their last four ball games. Moses Lake swept a doubleheader from the Yakima Rattlers over the weekend, and then split a twin bill at home last night with the Wenatchee Apple Valley Packers.

The Spuds won the first game, 4-2, but dropped the night cap, 7-2.

"It was great to see our offense give Chase Tunstall some run support in the first game. He pitched well and kept the Wenatchee hitters off balance. It was his best outing in a while," coach Jameson Lange said. "Unfortunately, we didn't give Jacob (Price) any run support in the second game. He pitched six quality innings, but we couldn't come up with any timely hits, and left a lot of guys on base."

Game 1

The Spuds got on the board first with two runs in the bottom of the second. Gunner Raymond was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, and then moved into scoring position after stealing second base.

A walk to Colton Kelly put two runners on the base paths. Chase Tunstall hit a fly ball to left field for the first out of the inning. A single to right by Spencer Street juiced the bases for the Spuds. Jerry Reyes fanned to record the second out.

A single to center by Erick Huberdeau  drove in Raymond and Kelly, but he was thrown out trying to steal second for the third out of the inning.

The Packers went down in order in the top of the third. Brett Moser singled up the middle to start off the bottom of the frame for the Spuds. Brian Wulf's line drive was caught by the left fielder for the first out of the inning. Jacob Price grounded out to first, but moved Moser to second on the play.

Raymond singled to center to score Moser for the Spuds third run of the game. Kelly's single to right moved Raymond to third, who then scored when Kelly was caught in a rundown between first and second, to make it 4-0 Moses Lake. Tunstall flied out to center for the third out.

Wenatchee answered back with two runs in the top of the fourth with two outs, to close the gap to 4-2, and end the scoring for the contest.

Huberdeau was the big stick for the Spuds, going one-for-two at the plate with two RBI. Tunstall went the distance on the hill to pick up the win.

Game 2

The Spuds took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. The score held up until the Packers hung four runs on the board in the top of the third to go up top, 4-1.

Moses Lake got one back in the bottom of the inning, but that was all the runs the Spuds could muster as they were shutout the rest of the way.

Wenatchee added a run in the top of the fifth, and two in the top of the seventh to close out the scoring for the game, 7-2.

Brett Moser led the offensive output for the Spuds with one hit in three at bats with two runs scored.

Price got the start on the bump, and pitched six innings of three-hit ball, but was tagged with the loss. Louie Reyes pitched an inning of relief.

Moses Lake wraps up its season today when the Spuds hit the road to Wenatchee for two games with the Packers.

Cameron Ball gets the nod in Game 1. Jerry Reyes takes the hill in Game 2.

The first pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.