Columbia Basin splits with Spokane

SPOKANE — Working with a makeshift roster, Columbia Basin was able to salvage a split against the Spokane Bandits.

The River Dogs only had 13-14 players available Tuesday after a group of nine players swept Walla Walla on Sunday. Head coach Randy Boruff said his full complement of players would arrive next week after the various graduations and all-state baseball games finish.

Mark Horning got the nod in Game 1, but struggled from the mound and allowed eight runs in three innings. Columbia Basin (7-3) would go on to lose the opener 10-8. It was Horning’s first appearance on the bump in about a year and a half due to injury, Boruff said.

“Mark has been hurt so we’re trying to get him worked backed in.”

Raul Olvera pitched three innings of relief, giving up two unearned runs. Columbia Basin scattered 11 hits, led by Mitch Boesel’s 3-for-5 day.

Justin DeHoog added two hits and two RBI.

Columbia Basin was able to stave off a Spokane rally in Game 2 and win 7-6. Logan Moss pitched five innings of no-hit ball before the Bandits tagged him for three runs in the sixth.

The River Dogs held multiple five-run leads before the Bandits drew within one. Kaeden Murphy closed the game for Columbia Basin.

DeHoog continued his big day with three hits and three more RBI.

“When he (DeHoog) is focused and disciplined and takes the top hand to the ball he hits it hard,” Boruff said.

Drake Hansen and Nick Lopez added two hits each. 

Since returning to the River Dogs after an NWAC championship run with Yakima Valley, Hunter Boyd is 5-for-9. Against Spokane, Boyd finished 3-for-3 with two runs scored.

Columbia Basin will travel to the 40-team Northwest Premier Tournament in Seattle this weekend.