Southridge pulls away from Central Washington in late innings

KENNEWICK — Southridge scored six runs over the final two innings to break a 6-6 tie and beat Central Washington 12-6.

Unlike Thursday’s opener, the Spuds were able to score early and held a brief lead.

Ezekyel Ochoa doubled home Zach Valdez in the first inning. More, Colton Minoletti hit an RBI single and Ochoa later scored on an error. Southridge answered with two runs in the home half of the first and later took the lead with one run each in the third and fourth inning.

Central Washington tied things up in the fifth inning when Wade Visker scored on a passed ball.

The Bandits struck for two more runs in the sixth inning before the Spuds tied the game a second time in the seventh inning. Columbia Basin Big Nine Pitcher of the Year Austin Valdez showed off his chops at the place with a two-run double to make the score 6-6.

However, Southridge scored the final six runs of the game to take the first two games of the season from Central Washington.

The Spuds pitched by committee during the nine-inning non-league game. Starter Boe Hesse worked two innings, allowing two runs on two hits.

Wes Hickman led the Bandits with a triple and three RBI.

Central Washington travels to league power Yakima Valley for a doubleheader on Wednesday.