Wahluke Baseball scores doubleheader sweep

MATTAWA - The Wahluke Warriors, who are in the second year of a baseball program rejuvenation, are excited despite their 2-6 start.

That's because they already have more wins than last year, and they own a doubleheader sweep over Granger. That leveled the season record at 2-2.

The Warriors won the opening game 11-9 and the nightcap 6-3. Last year, the upstart Warriors finished the season with only one win in 19 games.

Sophomore catcher Brennan Zirker set the tone for the afternoon in his first at-bat. He slammed a first inning home run. He tripled in the sixth inning and finished the game with three runs batted in.

Freshman pitcher Sergio Pineda recorded the win for the Warriors. He allowed two runs over three innings, struck out six batters, walked none and gave up one hit. Closer Jose Ponce put away the final nine outs to notch a save.

The Warriors erupted for five runs in the top of the fourth. The scoring began with Felix Jimenez singling to right to score Jose Alejo and Eduardo Ponce.

Zirker reached first on an error, and consecutive base hits by Pineda, Jesse Heredia, and Daniel Corrales produced the remainder of the runs.

Both teams put runners in scoring position often in the second game, but the Warriors capitalized on more RBI opportunities. Meanwhile, the Warrior defense stranded nine Granger nine runners on base.

Jimenez got the win for the Warriors. He allowed three runs on nine hits over five innings and recorded 11 strikeouts while walking only two Spartans. Jimenez also contributed at the plate with a triple well over the right fielder's head.

The Warriors took the lead for good in the second inning. Zirker led off with a single up the middle, followed by a base on balls to Sergio Pineda. Sophomore third baseman Aaron Martinez singled to load the bases, and Jose Ponce forced in a run with a walk.

With the bases still loaded, David Pineda came through with a clutch double to right centerfield, driving in two runs.