Columbia Basin defeated Big Bend in a pair of East Region games Tuesday at home. The Hawks scored 33 runs in the effort, continuing their hot hitting.
GAME 1
Out for revenge against the Vikings after losing two on the road, the CBC lineup came ready to hit. It took them just one inning to get started as they scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 2nd with
Kobbey Smith driving in two on a single through the right side. Big Bend came back with a big 6-run 3rd inning to take an early 6-3 lead.
Kaitlyn Montgomery was able to come on in relief of
Amanda Brown to pitch 3+ scoreless innings while allowing only one hit. After scoring 2 in the 3rd to get back within one, Basin put together a four run 4th inning lead by RBIs from
Ashlynn Nixon.
Madi Olson and
Harley Raymond.
The nine runs would be all Montgomery needed as she was able to shutout the Vikings while striking out four. In the bottom of the 6th, the Hawks put an end to the contest with 6 runs on 3 base hits lead by a big double from
Mary Comack that brought home 2.
GAME 2
With only 10 rostered players on the travel roster, Big Bend was forced to send the same pitcher back out in Game 2. Basin was able to get to her early again with a 5-run 3rd inning lead by Nixon's 19th homer of the season giving CBC the 6-0 lead.
Montgomery continued to look sharp tossing 4 scoreless before running into trouble in the 5th. The Vikings were able to get to the lefty with a handful of quick hits to get two runs on the board. Montgomery was unable to get a couple of calls on close pitches which lead to a walk and a HBP with the bases loaded. Big Bend continued to press with a couple more hits to make it 8-6 with one out.
Macao Jackson was then called upon to get out of the jam. When the dust settled, the Vikings had scored 10 runs in the frame and were in possession of a 4-run lead heading into the bottom of the inning.
If you thought the Hawks were going to roll over, you would be sorely mistaken. With a little help from the Viking defense, CBC roared back with 12 runs to complete the comeback earlier than expected. Six Hawks in a row notched a single to keep the hit parade alive. With 2 outs and the winning run on 2nd, Smith got jammed on a fastball and popped one up on the infield. The first baseman was unable to come down with it allowing the final two runs of the day come around. With the error, CBC completed the sweep by a final of 18-10.
The wins help the Hawks improve to 22-13 on the season, taking back possession of 2nd place in the East. They will host Yakima Valley on Friday at home starting at 2pm.
