Out of the gate the contest started similar to yesterday’s ballgame. The Sweets opened up the scoring first after a pair of two out knocks by first baseman Tanner Kern and third baseman Dominic cadiz. Catcher Isaiah Chacon then stroked one out to right field to score the first run of the game. A Pippins error led to one more score and the Sweets took a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the first the Charlie Shebler got things going with a leadoff single. What followed was a pair of errors by shortstop Landon Young which fueled the Pippins to plate two and even the scoring at 2-2. 

In the second inning center fielder Tristan Shaefer wasted no time hitting a flare out to right field that hit the chalk for a leadoff double. Schaefer advanced to third on a popup by left fielder Cole Rogers and proceeded to score on a passed ball.

In the bottom half of the frame the Pippins responded once again. This time it was Yakima Valley first baseman Brett Haggerty that reached on a single to leadoff the frame. Haggerty later scored on a putout to second baseman Trevor Tse. It was Tse’s first time at second this season.

What followed was the only two scoreless frames of the contest. For the Sweets starting pitcher Levi Anderson went four strong innings allowing just one earned run with five strikeouts. On the other side Oregon State commit Trevor Kaiser finished his evening with four earned runs on seven hits with two walks and just one strikeout.

Then in fifth the Sweets started to gather momentum offensively. After a leadoff single Kern scored on a passed ball. Cadiz then touched home plate after designated hitter Zane Bidwell hit a sacrifice flyout. Tse finished the inning with a two RBI single and the Sweets finished the frame with a four spot.  

In the sixth inning the Sweets kept the burners on high with another four run frame. Kern got it done again with a double that brought in Cole Rogers and the Sweets further widened the gap. Kern finished the day with four hits and a walk. For Kern it is all about his mindset at the dish.

“I feel comfortable, just staying with my approach and staying on time.” Talbott said.

Chacon singled to keep the line moving and score Kern. Chacon finished 3-5 and is now batting .444 on the year. A Pippins error scored a couple more and it was eight runs in two frames for the Sweets.

The Pippins made it somewhat interesting in the bottom of the seventh. A couple of Sweets errors and a balk kept the inning alive. The Pippins plated four in the bottom of the seventh but it was little too late. The Pippins extended the lead one more time in the top of the ninth and the Sweets secured the win with a 12-7 victory. 

With the win, Walla Walla is now back at even with a 3-3 record. The Sweets come home for the first time this season tomorrow night at Borleske Stadium. Opening day is sponsored by Columbia REA. Catch first pitch at 7:05 in person or online for a video stream on the Walla Walla Sweets Youtube. Stay for fireworks after the end of the contest.