Moses Lake records back-to-back shutouts in World Series play

EPHRATA – Moses Lake exploded for five runs off two hits and two Vancouver errors in the bottom of the sixth inning, and the River Dogs made it three in a row with a 5-0 win over the Pacific Northwest Region Champion to claim the No. 2 seed in National Division pool play.

“Man, that was exciting,” coach Greco Signorelli said. “The kid they had throwing against us was a pretty good pitcher.”

The hurlers Moses Lake used in the game were pretty tough too, as they combined for a one-hit shutout and fanned six Vancouver batters.

Kamryn Cerrillo, however, got off to a shaky start walking three of the first four hitters he faced and was pulled early in the contest.

“I could tell he was having issues and we didn’t want to get behind and put ourselves in a situation  where we wouldn’t be competitive in the game,” Signorelli said. “All our pitchers know they are on a short leash at this point. Being on the bump on the big stage – its a tough spot to put a kid in. It’s pretty intense and ya get nervous when you are in the spot light.”

Isaac Baker came on in relief and settled in right away, got the team out of the bases loaded pickle, and pitched a solid 4 2/3 innings, giving up one hit and punching out three.

“That was huge – for Isaac to step in and throw the ball like he did and get us out of a jam,” Signorelli said. “It built his confidence, built the team confidence and changed the whole tempo of the game.”

Jeff Sonneman closed out the contest on the hill for Moses Lake, tossing two innings and fanning three. Josh Williams was the difference maker at the plate for the River Dogs.

“He had a great game – swung the bat well – had two hits and two RBI,” Signorelli said. “His defense was rock-solid too.”

The fan support was off the charts in last nights ball game, and at times, the locals may have been just a bit too boisterous.

“The place was pack and loud,” Signorelli said. “We use audible signals along with our visual signals we give to the kids when they are on base and they were having trouble hearing them – I was having to yell the signals out – had to repeat them two or three times – the crowd support was pretty cool.”

Moses Lake is done with pool play and has the night off, but the team is back on the diamond Thursday at 5 p.m. for the start of single elimination bracket play.

“Well most likely be going up against Cap Cod – another good team – they brought a 17-game win streak into the World Series – they’re a pretty solid club,” Signorelli said. “So we’ve got to come ready to play. I have a lot of faith and confidence in our young team. If we win we move on to the semis.”