Chiefs softball sweeps Wenatchee

WENATCHEE - Back-to-back wins against the Wenatchee Panthers in doubleheader action on the road Friday gives Moses Lake (11-1) a one game lead over Eastmont (11-2), and puts the Chiefs in the drivers seat with a three-game series against Eisenhower (4-6) to close out the regular season.

"If we take two out of three, we could end up tied with Eastmont should they win out. But we beat them head-to-head so we own the tiebreaker," coach Dave Gregory said. "If we sweep Ike, we'll win the league title outright, which we haven't done in the last 10 years or so."

Moses Lake had little trouble with Wenatchee as they pounded out 16 hits in a 12-2 win in game one, and then blew past the Panthers 14-3 in game two of the twin bill.

Moses Lake 12

Wenatchee 2

The Chiefs jumped out to a 10-0 lead after three and a half innings of play. Wenatchee got two runs back in the bottom of the fourth to make it 10-2.

But that was all the offense the Panthers could generate. Moses Lake tacked on two in the top of the sixth to cruise to the lopsided win.

Vanessa Rodriguez was the big stick for the Chiefs going three-for-four at the plate with two RBI. Tressa Radach also had three hits in four at bats.

Haylie VanLaethem went the distance in the circle to pick up the win.

"I am really happy with the way the girls are hitting the ball ... it's something we've been working hard on in practice the past few days," Gregory said. "Haylie pitched a solid game, striking out seven Wenatchee hitters and only walking two."

Moses Lake 14

Wenatchee 3

Skylar Kimbro went three-for-three with four RBI, Jazmyn Jesse had three hits in four plate appearance and VanLaethem was two-for five with a home run and two RBI in an 11-run victory in the second game of the doubleheader.

The Chiefs hung two runs on the board in the top of the first, and added one in the second to take an early 3-0 lead. The score held up until the Panthers drew even 3-3 in the bottom of the fourth inning.

"I lit a fire under the girls after they tied it," Gregory said, "And they went out and scored six runs off six hits. The key hit came from Skylar who hit a bases loaded two-out gapper to the left field fence."

Five Chiefs crossed the plate in the top of the seven to round out the scoring to complete the sweep, 14-3.

Moses Lake is back in action for a single road game at Eisenhower Tuesday. The Chiefs close out the regular season at home with a doubleheader against the Cadets May 10.

If Moses Lake takes two of the three games and ties for the league title or wins out to claim the championship outright, the Chiefs will host the district tournament May 18. The district champions will advance to State May 24.