Central Washington swept at Kennewick

KENNEWICK — Central Washington dropped to 2-8 in league play after a pair of losses at Kennewick.

The Spuds let a 3-0 lead slip away in the opener and lost in six innings 17-7. Gerald Hein’s 14 strikeouts powered Kennewick to an 9-2 win in the nightcap.

Central Washington led 3-0 after the first inning in Game 1 before Kennewick answered with a five-run second. The Outlaws opened up a 12-5 lead after a six-run fourth inning and clinched the 10-run rule with a pair in the sixth.

The Outlaws sprayed 21 hits, while the Spuds scattered eight. Blake Loftus, Garrett Dixon and Andrew Townsend drove in three runs each.

Tyson Yamane went three innings for the Spuds. Yamane was relieved by Levi Garrison who lasted 2 2/3 innings.

In Game 2, the Spuds fell behind 2-0 after one inning before tying the game with a run each in the second and third. However, Kennewick answered with seven unanswered runs.

After allowing two early runs, Kennewick starter Hein settled down and pitched four straight scoreless innings to end the game, finishing with 14 strikeouts.

The Spuds were out-hit 12-3.

Mason Martin had a big day for the Outlaws, driving in four runs.

Cain Valdez had three strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings of work. Desmond Ortega struck out two.

Central Washington hosts Kennewick in a doubleheader today at 5:30 p.m.