Big Bend takes two from Spokane

MOSES LAKE — Blake Springer collapsed in a heap at second base, cramping after his latest double.

The injury was understandable since Springer spent much of Big Bend’s second game against Spokane rounding the bases. The sophomore from Moses Lake smacked two doubles with three RBI and added a stolen base for good measure.

Powered by Springer, Big Bend rallied to beat Spokane 7-5 in Game 2 of Wednesday’s double-header after beating the Sasquatch 6-5 in the opener.

The two wins moved Big Bend (4-2, 15-3) into a tie for third place in the NWAC East.

Pitchers Sam Glowicki, Aidan Lucas and Jaime Vela ended Spokane’s rally in Game 1 with 2 2/3 of scoreless relief. Vela, a Moses Lake High School graduate, earned the save.

After Spokane scratched out a run in the third inning, Big Bend answered with a RBI single by Auggie Francis. The Vikings were able to gain the lead with a three-run fourth inning.

Ryan Grening scored after a lead-off walk and Tristin Parton hit a two-run single with the bases loaded.

Spokane pulled ahead 5-4 in the seventh before Big Bend regained the lead with a pair of runs in the home half of the inning.

Three singles in a row loaded the bases before Bryan Wulf notched a RBI on a fielder’s choice, tying the game 5-5. Nate Ball hit a two-out single that scored Shane Layman for the go-ahead run.

Big Bend would have to come from behind in the nightcap as well.

Spokane jumped ahead 5-2 entering the bottom of the fifth inning. However, Springer ripped a two-run double to start a four-run inning by Big Bend.

With the lead in hand, Big Bend’s bullpen pitched four scoreless innings with Vela recording another save.

Big Bend travels to Treasure Valley for a double-header on Saturday.