Pippins Stave off Another Sweets Rally
Published on July 30, 2014 under West Coast League (WCL)
Yakima Valley Pippins News Release
WALLA WALLA, Wash. - The last time the Yakima Valley Pippins were at Borleske Stadium in Walla Walla, the Walla Sweets rallied for nine runs in the final three innings to shock the Pippins in an 11-10 defeat. Tuesday night, lightning almost struck twice, but the Pippins buckled down to secure an 8-7 win over the Sweets in the series opener.
The Pippins (25-18) put an early dent in the scoreboard at Borleske Stadium, scoring seven times in the 2 nd inning, ultimately chasing Sweets starter Chris Kerwood. Shawn Wardian had a two-run single and Vince Fernandez hit a three-run home run in the big inning to get Yakima Valley starter Austin Woodward a large cushion to work with.
After the Sweets (21-22) scored once in the 3 rd inning and the Pippins countered with a run in the 6 th to make it 8-1, the Sweets made their push.
Back-to-back fly balls lost in the lights helped bring home two runs in the 7 th to make it an 8-3 game. Walla Walla added two more in the 8 th on a two-run home run by Mike Paulson, ultimately ending an impressive start for Woodward. He went 7+ innings, allowing 8 hits, 5 earned runs, 2 walks and 7 strikeouts en route to the victory.
With an 8-5 lead into the bottom of the 9 th, the Pippins turned to Kenny Rosenberg to pick up the save. However, the left-hander walked the leadoff man, then threw the ball away trying to throw out Mark Contreras on a sacrifice bunt attempt. Andrew Mendenhall scored both runs with a single to left field to make it 8-7. Rosenberg then struck out Paulson before allowing a double to Parker Osborne that put runners at 2 nd and 3 rd with one out. At that point, the Pippins turned to Nick Kern, who struck out both hitters he faced to get Yakima Valley out of trouble and into the win column.
The Pippins picked up consecutive wins for the first time since winning three straight July 12-14. They'll go for the series win against the Sweets Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m.
West Coast League Stories from July 30, 2014
- Benn Brothers, Olympian Adam Kreek to Throw Friday's First Pitches - Victoria HabourCats
- Sweets Scare Pippins Late, Fall Short 8-7 - Walla Walla Sweets
- Elks Drop First Game in Corvallis 8-7 - Bend Elks
- Bells top Medford, 2-1 in front of record crowd - Bellingham Bells
- Pippins Stave off Another Sweets Rally - Yakima Valley Pippins
- HarbourCats Walk the Yard in Wenatchee - Victoria HabourCats
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.
