Diamond Ducks fall into consolation bracket in first round of postseason

EPHRATA — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Diamond Ducks fell in the first round of the Tillage League postseason tournament 8-3 to the Milton Freewater Twins. Despite the loss, the season stays alive as the Diamond Ducks prepare to battle through the consolation bracket. 

“It was a really good game, it was a lot closer than what the final score indicates,” said Diamond Ducks Head Coach Hunter Lee. “We had a chance going into the sixth inning there and then just some things happened.”

The Twins got on the board first with three runs in the top of the first inning, but ACH responded in the bottom of the inning after Levi Oliver hit a ground ball to score Nolan Grindy and Ty Nelson hit a sacrifice fly to score Oliver. After a scoreless second inning, the game sat at 3-2. 

Milton added to their score in the top of the third with a single run to increase their lead. ACH closed the gap to a one-run game in the bottom of the fourth when Rhett Harris singled to score Nelson. 

In the final two innings, Milton solidified their victory by scoring a run in the sixth and three runs in the seventh while holding the Diamond Ducks scoreless. 

Eli Edwards started on the mound for the Diamond Ducks where he allowed four hits and four runs in his four innings as pitcher while striking out three. Ethan Martinez came in during the fifth and sixth innings where he threw two strike outs and Oliver closed out the final inning. 

“It was a good game,” said Lee. “Most of that game was a really well-played game on both sides.” 

The coach said he was proud of how ACH executed plays throughout the game both offensively and defensively. The good that they accomplished in this game is something he wants the team to remember and carry over into their next matchup. 

“Playoffs, you might come in with a little bit of nerves, a little bit of pressure,” said Lee. “You’re one game in and you’ve been here before a little bit and hopefully we can come out with a win.” 

The Diamond Ducks next game is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday as they face the Monarch Baseball Club. 

    Cade Carstensen from ACH gets ahold of the ball near third base and prepares to hurl it toward first base to tag out a Twins runner.
  

    ACH player Nolan Grindy slides safe onto third base during Thursday morning’s game against Milton Freewater.
  

    Diamond Ducks player Levi Oliver steps up to bat against Milton Freewater Thursday morning.