Sophomore Richardson, freshman Bailey help Moses Lake complete sweep of Ike

MOSES LAKE — Entering this season, Moses Lake head coach Dave Gregory didn’t think his lineup would pack as much power as it did last year.

Brooklyn Bailey and Brooke Richardson set to prove him wrong against Eisenhower. Baily homered in Game 2, capping a five-run fifth inning by the Chiefs. Richardson had a career day against the Cadets with two home runs and eight RBI in the double-header.

“Brooklyn’s the real deal and Richardson’s come a long ways from last year,” Gregory said. “She’s really worked hard and she’s starting to square up the ball and hit it hard.

Despite losing starting pitcher Peyton Ries after just 1/3 of an inning, Moses Lake scored at will in the opener and won 20-1. The nightcap was much closer and the Chiefs had to rally with a five-run fifth inning for a 6-3 win.

Ries took a line drive off her right wrist, which was operated on months ago, in the first inning.

“That ball hit right on where she had that operation,” Gregory said.

Marnie Skinner allowed a run in the first inning and then proceeded to mow down Cadets.

Eisenhower’s 1-0 lead was brief as Moses Lake scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Tia Radach and Bailey both smacked RBI singles Nikea Holman knocked a two-run single and Sierra Perales finished the spurt with a RBI fielder’s choice.

Mikaela Francisco, Skinner, Aubrey Rowland, Ries, Bailey, Holman and Richardson all had multiple hits in the Game 1 blowout, highlighted by Richardson’s five RBI.

After leaving the first game early, Ries tried to start the second game but still felt some pain in her wrist.

“She wanted to gut it out, tough kid,” Gregory said.

Eisenhower took a 3-1 lead before Skinner relieved Ries.

The Moses Lake offense that hit for 20 runs earlier struggled for the first four innings of the nightcap.

“It’s not like we quit hitting the ball,” Gregory said. “We were getting a little anxious, but everything we hit was right at people.”

However, Richardson was able to connect on a go-ahead three-run shot and Bailey hit an opposite field solo home run to pull the Chiefs ahead 6-3.

Gregory was pleased that two players at the bottom of the order came through with clutch hits throughout the double-header.

“It makes a difference,” he said. “One through nine batters are doing well plus our seniors are what were expected of them. It’s a surprise for our young kids coming through because it’s usually a pretty big jump and that’s where you find out if they’re ready, if they can hit this varsity pitching.”

Ephrata salvages split with Quincy

QUINCY — Quincy stunned Ephrata in extra innings to earn a split with the Tigers.

After finishing seven innings tied 10-10, Quincy scored one run in the eighth to escape with an 11-10 win. The game featured 18 combined errors.

Mikayla Wood was 3-for-4 with two RBI.

Ephrata’s bats awoke in Game 2. An 11-run fifth inning helped Ephrata salvage the split 24-6.

Aliyah Derr had five RBI and Brooke Bazaldua had four RBI.

Warden sweeps Omak

OMAK — Warden went on the road to face Class 1A Omak and returned with two wins.

Warden won the opener 4-1 and took the nightcap 8-6.

The Cougars begin Central Washington 2B South play at Soap Lake April 9.

Soap Lake wins two high-scoring games with Manson

MANSON — Soap Lake scored a combined 72 runs in two games with Manson.

The high offensive output was necessary as Manson countered with 50 combined runs.

The Eagles won the first game 44-35 and completed the sweep 28-15.