Moses Lake slowpitch wins district title, advances to first state tournament
Connor Vanderweyst/Columbia Basin Herald Moses Lake's Harley Raymond is congratulated at home plate after homering against West Valley.
Connor Vanderweyst/Columbia Basin Herald Moses Lake's Harley Raymond rounds the bases after hitting a home run off the scoreboard in the third inning against West Valley.
Connor Vanderweyst/Columbia Basin Herald Moses Lake's Gina Skinner is waved home to score in the fifth inning against West Valley.
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake slowpitch had not seen many close games this season.
They are undefeated, after all.
But when West Valley strung together five runs in the sixth inning, the top of the seventh featured only a four-run cushion for the Chiefs — not much insurance in this sport.
No matter.
Brooklyn Bailey made two running catches in center field, another Ram was called out for leaving the batter’s box on her swing and the Chiefs won a second consecutive district championship 12-8. This year, the season continues Oct. 27 in a state tournament at Columbia Playfield in Richland.
The title game looked to be another quick outing as the Chiefs led 5-0 after one inning and opened up a 6-0 lead when Harley Raymond hit a booming shot off the Moses Lake High School scoreboard. However, Sydney Yates started the Rams’ comeback bid with a 3-run homer over the left field fence in the fourth.
Moses Lake was able to extend its lead in the fifth inning, scoring another five runs. Hadleigh Cranston hit a 2-run single, followed by an RBI single from Raymond. Madi Olson scored another on a deep fly ball to center field and Paige Barrientoz smacked an RBI double.
West Valley showed they had one more burst with five runs in the sixth inning, but Bailey’s defensive plays in the seventh preserved the win.
Score by innings
WV — 0 0 0 3 0 5 0 8
ML — 5 0 1 1 5 0 X 12
— Staff report