Chiefs split twin bill with Eastmont

MOSES LAKE - With six games remaining, Moses Lake (8-1, 10-3) is tied atop the Columbia Basin Big Nine standings with Wenatchee.

Recently, the Chiefs' eight-game win streak was snapped after the team coughed up a late lead to Eastmont in the second game of a doubleheader, 5-4.

It was a stark contrast from game one, which Moses Lake dominated 13-3 in five innings.

"Second game was one of them nightmares," head coach Dave Gregory said. "We're cruising along really good. We were up 4-0 just kicked back in the sixth inning then we threw the ball around for three runs in the sixth. Let them right back in the ball game."

Eastmont scored two more runs in the seventh to spoil Moses Lake's unblemished league record.

Jazmynn Jesse, Tressa Radach and Alyssa Balderas led the hit parade for the Chiefs in game one, each going 3 for 3.

Jesse and Balderas drove in two runs each while Radach notched a single RBI.

Peyton Ries was solid from the mound, recording a complete game with two strikeouts.

Holding a 12-3 lead in the fifth inning, Marnie Skinner smashed a double and Jesse clinched the win for the Chiefs with a RBI single.

However, the Moses Lake bats were quieted in the nightcap.

"Blowing them out the first game, they're pretty confident," Gregory said. "We're off to a four-run lead and our pitcher's pitching great, but we've got to learn how to bury these teams."

Hailee Bishop was 2 for 3 with a home run and three stolen bases. Jesse finished 2 for 4 in the second half of the twin bill.

Errors plagued the Chiefs during both games as every run Eastmont scored was unearned. Skinner went the distance in the nightcap and finished with six strikeouts.

Gregory hopes this loss, which could've essentially knocked Eastmont out of the Big Nine race, will serve as a reminded to his team that wins don't come easy.

"Hopefully it turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to us," he said.

Moses Lake should still cruise to a Big Nine title if the team finishes above .500 to close the season, but Gregory has higher aspirations for the Chiefs.

"If we're going to be a state contender we've got to win six in a row here," he said. "Go into that district tournament on a roll."