Valdez's shutout powers Spuds to win

LEWISTON, Idaho — Zach Valdez pitched a complete game three-hitter and Central Washington dispatched the Diamond Jaxxs 2-0.

Valdez leaned on his defense, with only one strikeout, to keep the scoreboard blank. The Spuds did commit two errors, but the Diamond Jaxxs were held scoreless with timely plays in the field and only one walk surrendered by Valdez.

Both teams were scoreless after three complete innings. The Spuds scratched across one run apiece in the fourth and fifth inning.

In the fourth, Wade Visker doubled and Cody Goodwin followed with an RBI double. Cody Goodwin was 2-for-3 on the night.

The Spuds put together a two-out rally in the fifth inning. Cameron Duke singled and advanced to third base after two balks. Brandon Swett singled to right field to score Duke.

Valdez retired the Diamond Jaxxs in order in the seventh inning to secure the victory.

Box score

CLMB 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

DMND 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Highlights: Goodwin 2x3, 1 RBI; Swett 1x3, 1 RBI; Duke 1x3, 1 R; Visker 1x3, 1 R

River Dogs lose opener in Montana

HELENA — The River Dogs left 11 runners on base and lost to Bozeman 5-3.

“It was just a game we probably win seven out of 10 times,” manager Randy Boruff said. “We left 11 guys on and like nine guys in scoring position.”

Joe Taylor led the Columbia Basin offense with three hits.

Duncan Favor was solid on the mound, but had trouble closing innings against Bozeman.

The River Dogs play two games today, the first at 8 a.m. and then again at 7 p.m.