Sixers 18U falls in Moses Lake showdown semifinals

MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sixers 18U (5-3) suffered a 9-6 loss to the Orting Baseball Club 18U in the semifinals of the Moses Lake Showdown on Sunday. This comes after a 3-0 start to the weekend tournament.  

The Sixers were competitive throughout the game, scoring four runs across the second and third innings. However, a three-run inning in the top of the fifth increased Orting's lead as they held off the Sixers for the win.  

Orting got on the board first with two runs in the top of the second inning, thanks to a pair of singles. After Dagen Enquist and the Sixers defense forced three outs, the offense took over and quickly tied the game 2-2 with runs by Carter Peone and RJay Garza, who stole home base. 

Back on defense, the Sixers couldn’t prevent Orting from scoring three runs in the top of the third to reclaim the lead at 5-2. From there, the offense responded with two more runs by Jacoby Tait and Enquist to cut their deficit to 5-4.  

The Sixers defense slowed Orting down slightly, holding them to a single run in the top of the fourth inning. However, they were unable to capitalize on the bottom of that inning as Orting held them scoreless.  

OBC capitalized on their momentum by adding to their lead with three more runs to make it 9-4. With one last opportunity to tie the game, the Sixers took over on offense in the bottom of the fifth inning. There was promise after Caden Barney scored on a wild pitch.  

Moments later, Aaden Montes scored, but the Sixers earned their third out shortly after, which sealed the win for Orting.  

Despite the loss, several players contributed to the Sixers effort Sunday. Ryan Martinez, Terrance Huber and Barney combined for four RBIs – Huber led the team with two of his own. Recording a stolen base alongside Garza was Peone. 

On the pitching mound, Enquist and Kolby Lyons were leading the way for the Sixers. Enquist pitched for three innings, allowing eight hits, six runs, five errors and struck out six batters. He threw 97 pitches and 64 strikes. Lyons finished the game on the mound, allowing three hits, runs and errors while striking out one batter. 21 of his 36 pitches were strikes.  

The Sixers 18U is slated to play their next game on June 18 in Pullman when they face the Seattle Wave Scofield 18U. This kicks off another weekend of Sixers tournament baseball as they also face the Elevate Northwest Bandits on June 19 and the Baden Underclass on June 20. 

    After making it to third base, the Sixers’ Ryan Martinez (23) fist bumps one of his coaches during their game against RCA Green Saturday.
  

    Nolan Decubber (12) leads off second base while a teammate is up to bat for the Central Washington Sixers 18U.
  

    Carter Peone eyes the RCA Green pitcher while at bat during their game on Saturday.