NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Walla Walla Sweets

Sweets Dealt Large Blow, Lose to Pippins 12-2

July 31, 2014 - West Coast League (WCL)
Walla Walla Sweets News Release


WALLA WALLA, Wa. - Wednesday's game began on a note similar to Tuesday's at Borleske Stadium- the Yakima Valley Pippins slugged out and early lead, and the Walla Walla Sweets slowly chipped away as time went on.

But this time, the late-inning comeback went missing, and the Sweets received a crushing blow in the form of a 12-2 loss.

Right out of the gate, Sweets starter Spencer Hobson was erratic. Two walks, three hits and an RBI groundout gave the Pippins an early 4-0 lead.

The following inning, Hobson (1-2) seemed to settle in, allowing only an RBI single to Justin Jacobs, but in the 3rd inning the Pippins would drive home two more before the left-hander departed with one out and two runners on base.

Matt Walker then took over and allowed an additional run, giving the Pippins a sturdy 8-0 lead. He would prove strong through his final two innings, however.

In the 4th, the Sweets showed their first signs of life at the plate. Andrew Mendenhall walloped a solo homer to left field to give the home team their first run, and Kyle Nixon later scored on a throwing error.

But it would be all they could muster against strong Yakima Valley pitching. Starter Eli Morgan (7-0) was outstanding for the Pippins, striking out eleven batters while allowing just two runs on nine hits through his seven innings of work.

Catcher Renae Martinez appeared to be the only hitter who could solve the puzzle of Morgan's plan on the mound, as he led the Sweets with a 3-for-3 effort.

"He had good command of his stuff," said Martinez. "He was throwing everything for strikes. ... I just tried to stay back because he threw a lot of offspeed (pitches) and take the ball the other way."

Similarly, reliever Gabe Gentner shut the door in the final two innings, allowing three hits and one walk but stranding runners at will to lock up the Pippins' 12-2 rout.

The Sweets' bullpen, though not as dominant as the previous night, again was forced to pick up the slack early in the game. After Walker was removed at the end of the 5th inning, Alex Fisher and Garrett Barker would combine to allow four runs over the final four innings, scarred by seven walks and just three strikeouts.

"They were getting ahead," Martinez said in regards to the Sweets' collective bullpen effort. "Getting ahead with the fastball, throwing strikes early in the count. That was key. (But) walks hurt us, so we just need to keep getting ahead in the count."

With the crushing loss, the Sweets (21-23) have fallen to five games out of first place, now losing three of their past four series.

The Sweets will look to avoid the series sweep in the final game of the series Thursday, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM at Borleske Stadium.

• Discuss this story on the West Coast League message board...

West Coast League Stories from July 31, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Walla Walla Sweets Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central