WALLA WALLA, Wash. (June 5, 2026) – Friday night at Borleske Stadium turned into a showcase for the Sweets’ arms.

Behind seven strong innings from DJ Kauahi and two clean frames from Charlie Seneker, Walla Walla opened its series against the Bend Elks with a 7-2 win, holding Bend to just three hits while striking out 11.

The Sweets trailed early, with Bend scoring once in the first and again in the fifth to take a 2-0 lead. Kauahi kept the game within reach the entire way, settling in after the opening inning and giving Walla Walla time to find its swing.

That breakthrough came in the bottom of the fifth.

Gaines Haussin and Austin Owens both reached base, setting up Payton Knowles with a chance to get the Sweets back into it. Knowles delivered, ripping a two-run double to bring home both runners and tie the game at 2-2. Trevor Tse followed by driving in Knowles with a groundout, giving Walla Walla its first lead of the night at 3-2.

An inning later, the Sweets added on.

Landon Young doubled to get things started, and Gunner Geile followed by reaching base. Sam Kane brought Young home with a sacrifice fly, and Owens provided the loudest swing of the night, launching a two-run homer to left field to stretch the lead to 6-2.

The home run was the first of Owens’ collegiate career, either in NCAA play or summer ball.

Walla Walla added one more run in the eighth, with Young scoring on a wild pitch after reaching base for the second time on the night.

Kauahi earned his first win as a Sweet, going seven innings while allowing two runs on three hits. He struck out eight and worked through Bend’s lineup with control throughout the night.

Seneker then made his first appearance of the summer and handled the final two innings, striking out three without allowing a hit to close out the win.

At the plate, Knowles finished 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, continuing his steady start to the season. Haussin also added two hits, while Young doubled, scored twice and stole two bases. Owens finished with two runs scored, two RBIs and the first home run of his collegiate career.

The win gives Walla Walla another strong start to a series at Borleske, with the Sweets continuing to build momentum during their opening homestand.

The Sweets continue the series Saturday, June 6, against the Bend Elks. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. at Borleske Stadium.