Moses Lake downs Wenatchee, 13-3

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake is heading back to the 4A State Softball Tournament.

The Chiefs withstood an early rally from Wenatchee to pull away and take the 4A District 6 Championship, 13-3.

After only one loss in Big Nine play the entire season, it seemed as if a second straight district title was a foregone conclusion.

"I didn't know if they were even going to get excited," head coach Dave Gregory said. "I had to go out there, 'Hey man, where's our trophy?' I don't think they're taking it for granted, but it was hot and they waited around all day. No, we played good ball."

The two teams were tied early on, 2-2, before Moses Lake pulled ahead 12-2 entering the fifth inning.

Wenatchee was able to plate one run to stave off elimination, but the Chiefs were able to tack on one more run in the bottom half of the frame to capture the district championship in five innings.

Marnie Skinner pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts. She also helped her own cause with a two-run home run.

Vanessa Rodriguez was 2 for 3 and also homered for the Chiefs.

However, Alyssa Balderas led the way for Moses Lake with five RBIs.

The Chiefs will face Battle Ground in the first round of the 4A State Softball Tournament 10 a.m. Saturday at Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane.

"They're a pretty good team," Gregory said. "We've been scouting them a little bit just on the internet. They took second behind Camas, but that's not saying much. It was only 2-0, but Camas is the team that's picked to win it."

Last season, Moses Lake was able to advance to the quarterfinals of the state tournament before losing back-to-back games to Woodinville and Tahoma.

"They got a good taste of it last year and it showed us we can play with them teams so I think we're going to be fine," Gregory said.

Softball becomes the fifth spring sport to win a district championship, joining baseball, boys soccer, boys golf and girls track.