WALLA WALLA, Wash. — The front half the Sweets’ Tuesday game against the Springfield Drifters was an exciting, back-and-forth ball game. However, 13 total runs allowed across just two innings doomed the Sweets as they lost to the Drifters 17-5.

Springfield opened the scoring in the second inning, but the lead didn’t last long. On a 1-2 count, Kolby Felix launched a ball over the tall wall in left field for a solo shot to tie the game at one. It was the second dinger of the season for both Felix and the Sweets, with the designated hitter from Colorado Mesa going deep against the Bend Elks exactly a week ago.

In the top of the fourth, Springfield brought home three runs, but once again, Walla Walla answered the call. With two on and two out, Luka Ruljancich smacked a triple into the corner in left field, bringing home two runs. It was the first extra base hit for Ruljancich and gave him his first multi-RBI game as well. The triple tied the game at four, with David Mysza scoring the other run on an RBI groundout from Stevie Hom to start the inning.

In the sixth, Springfield brought home six runs, which was enough to hold back the Sweets from a third comeback. The bulk of the runs scored on a grand slam from Andrew Gauna. It is the eighth home run allowed by Sweets’ pitching and first grand allowed of the season.

In the eighth, the Drifters struck big again, this time bringing home seven runs. Four of the runs came into score on RBI walks as Springfield only collected three hits in the frame. Seven runs ties for the most runs allowed in an inning by Walla Walla this season.

The Sweets ended the game off on a positive note with a run in the ninth. Hayden Driggs hit an RBI single to bring home Easton O’Neal, who got a hit in his lone at bat as a pinch hitter.

17 runs is tied for the most runs allowed by Walla Walla this season, matching the 17 runs from Portland on June 5.

With the loss, the Sweets fall to 7-14 on the year. They are back in Wednesday in game two of their three game home series with the Drifters. First pitch is set for 6:35. Sweets’ coverage of the game can be found on their YouTube channel.