Spuds split on Day 1 of Firecracker Invitational

YAKIMA — Central Washington split its first two games of the Firecracker Invitational in Yakima.

Ezekyel Ochoa tossed a five-hit shutout in a 10-0 win over the Ephrata Rock Hounds in the opener. The Spuds fell behind 4-0 and lost 5-3 to the NW Star Dirtbags.

Against Ephrata, the Spuds scored two runs in the first inning and broke the game open with eight runs in the fourth. Cody Goodwin was 2-for-3 with four RBI; Brandon Swett and Cameron Duke drove in two runs each.

Duke began the eight-run explosion with a two-run single. Swett followed with a two-run double and Goodwin scored two more on a single to left field.

The Dirtbags scored two runs in the third inning and two more in the fifth. The Spuds pulled to within two runs after six innings, but left the bases loaded in the seventh.

River Dogs beat Pepsi Pak in extras

YAKIMA — The River Dogs ended their day at the Firecracker Invitational with a thrilling 8-7 win over the Pepsi Pak.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Joe Taylor laid down a squeeze bunt that scored Gage Gibson.

The River Dogs held a 7-1 lead before the Pepsi Pak rallied to force extra innings.

The River Dogs lost their tournament opener to the River City A’s 5-0. Columbia Basin was no-hit and struck out 14 times.

—Staff report