Moses Lake posts first shutout, earns split with Yakima

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake has inspired some optimism as of late after struggling through its first 20 games.

With a split of the Yakima Beetles Wednesday at Larson Field, the Walleyes are 5-3 in their last eight games. Although the Walleyes blew a 6-3 lead in Game 1 and lost 8-6, the team was able to post its first shutout of the season in Game 2 and won 7-0.

“Tonight’s second game was a total team effort,” head coach Robert Haensel said.

Moses Lake’s bats were working early in the opener, scoring three runs in the first inning. The Walleyes tacked on two more runs in the second inning and one in the third to open up a 6-3 advantage.

However, Yakima was able to get to pitcher Blake Pugh in the fifth inning. A RBI triple and two consecutive RBI singles erased the Beetles’ deficit. Later, a passed ball allowed the go-ahead run to come home for Yakima.

The Beetles added an insurance on a sacrifice fly after a lead-off triple in the seventh inning.

Moses Lake had multiple opportunities to tie or win the game, but stranded five runners over the last two frames.

Moses Lake starter Mikey Chase blanked the Beetles for five innings in the nightcap.

“He was dominant in the second outing,” Haensel said.

Chase had plenty of run support as the Walleyes were able to score two runs each in the first, second and fourth inning. Armando DeLeon finished the combined shutout with two innings of relief.