Spuds take one from Beetles

MOSES LAKE — Mistakes by the opposition in the field and from the mound allowed Central Washington to build a sizable lead in Game 1 of its doubleheader against Yakima.

The Beetles committed five errors, allowing the Spuds to score seven runs on just four hits. Cade Tunstall was able to get out of a bases-loaded jam in the seventh inning to collect the win 7-4.

In the nightcap, things didn’t bounce the Spuds’ way as the team was able to plate one run on six hits. Yakima jumped out to a 6-0 lead and cruised to a 9-1 victory.

Both teams went back and forth in the opener as the Beetles raced to a 2-0 lead in the first inning before the Spuds answered with three runs in the home half. Central Washington’s offense stayed consistent as the team scored in five out of the first six innings.

Central Washington took a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the fourth inning before two walks and a hit batter loaded the bases. Cody Goodwin drew the third base on balls of the inning, scoring Tyson Yamane from third base.

With a chance to do more damage, Austin Valdez grounded out to end the inning.

Tunstall was able to work two more scoreless inning and the Spuds plated one more insurance run in the sixth. Kameron Huberdeau hit a one-out single and later came around the score on a throwing error.

Yakima threatened in the seventh, loading the bases and scoring once on a walk. However, a fly-out to Yamane in left field ended the threat and the game.

The Beetles’ bats came alive in Game 2. The visitor’s were able to score three runs in the first inning and led 6-0 before the Spuds got on the scoreboard. Yakima extended its 6-1 margin with two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth.

Central Washington stranded two runners in the home half of the sixth and was retired in order in the seventh. Bailey Sanchez struck out the side in the final inning.

Both teams square off two more times today in Yakima.