Mavs split doubleheader with Eastmont

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks softball team split their doubleheader against Eastmont on Friday, winning their first game 9-6 and losing the second 3-13.  

“We needed to split to win the league title and to get that out of the way was big,” said Mavs head coach Mike Hofheins. 

The Mavs came out with an early lead in the first game. Amelia Avelos singled for a run in the first inning and five runs in the second inning. Both Hayden Morris and Avalos hit home runs, putting the team up 6-1 to start the third inning. Between Morris, Avelos, Lila Johnson and Alina Lopez, the Mavs had 13 hits in the game. 

Paige Richardson started on the mound for the Mavs, where she surrendered 12 hits and six runs through seven innings, striking out 10 and walking three.  

“We competed,” said Hofheins. “Pitched well, played with good defense, had clutch hits and we played really well in all three phases of the game.” 

The momentum shifted in game two when Eastmont put up nine runs in the top of the second inning. Morris led the Mavs with three hits in three at-bats, with Johnson gaining two runs batted in. 

Caitlin Decubber started as pitcher for the Mavs in game two, throwing for four and one-third innings before being subbed out from a foot injury. Decubber was able to continue playing for the team in the outfield. 

“We didn’t play clean on defense; I thought our at-bats were not as patient as they needed to be,” said the coach. “You’ve got to give credit to Eastmont’s Brittany Howe a little bit; she pitched a pretty good game, and we didn’t adjust to her and she shut us down for the most part.” 

The team knew coming in that they were going to host Eastmont again Thursday, which gave them three days of practice to come back with a game plan as they head into the week, he said. 

“I think the team that has three better days of practice Monday, Tuesday (and) Wednesday is going to be the team that comes out on top on Thursday,” said Hofheins. 

In preparation for Thursday, the Mavs will polish their defense and work in the batting cages. Hofheins said that they are going in with a fresh mindset, as every team is starting at 0-0 in the postseason. 

“I think we had contributions all the way around,” he said. “We just have to put it all together on Thursday.” 

The Mavericks play their next game at home against Eastmont on Thursday at 5 p.m. 

    Collecting multiple hits in game one and leading the team in runs batted in in game two, Lila Johnson makes a run towards first base.
  

    Paige Richardson pitched for the Mavs in game one against Eastmont where she struck out 10 batters in seven innings.
  

    Jenika Balderas makes a stop at first base against an Eastmont runner. The Mavs hope to polish their defense going into the postseason.
  

    Alina Lopez throws the ball back from midfield in game two. Lopez also collected multiple hits for the Mavs in game one.