Martinez lifts Othello over Selah

OTHELLO - With her team down one with a runner on second base, Madison Martinez stepped into the batter's box with two outs.

Martinez worked the count to 2-2 and was able to connect on a pitch that soared over the left field fence - giving the Huskies a 2-1 lead.

Pitcher Dominique Martinez was able to retire the side and Othello opened its season with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Selah.

The Huskies sprayed four hits over the course of the game and Dominique fanned nine Vikings.

Othello eased the nerves of those attending the second game as it was all Huskies from the opening pitch.

The Huskies built an 8-0 lead over the first four innings. Eventually the game was called after six innings when Othello reached the 10-run margin and the Huskies won going away, 11-1.

"Our bats just came alive," head coach Rudy Ochoa said. "I think the girls gained a lot of confidence after the first game and just kept gaining momentum."

Madison continued her strong start going 4-4 with a home run and a double. Tori Zambrano and Holly Fleshman finished 3-4 and 2-2, respectively.

In the field, Kirsten Quigley completed two unassisted double plays.

Ochoa opined that the race to the top of the Central Washington Athletic Conference could be interesting as three teams (Othello, Selah and Ellensburg) should be vying for two playoff spots.

Othello concludes non league play when the team travels to face Southridge March 27.