WENATCHEE, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets wrapped up their 2022 season with a win as they took down the AppleSox 7-5 in come-from-behind fashion. The Sweets were pushed ahead by a five-run top of the ninth inning where Zach Ediger drove in three runs for the Sweets to take the final game of the year.

The Sweets would get on the board first as Rustin Edmiston would drive in Kevin Spear in the top of the second. However, Wenatchee would take the lead in the bottom of the third scoring two runs to take a one-run lead into the fourth.

In the fourth the Sweets would find the tying run in Rustin Edmiston by way of a Tucker Zander RBI base hit. 

Scoring would halt until the seventh when Wenatchee would take a two run lead by way of an Ezra Samperi base hit and a throwing error to catch Joichiro Oyama stealing second. Oyama however was retired following the throw down as he would try to move to third but Rustin Edmiston would make the tag off a Kevin Spear throw across.

The Sweets trailed by two in the ninth but that would quickly change as Ediger aproched the plate with the bases loaded and only one out. Ediger would slip one passed Oyama at second and score two runs and a third by way of a throwing error in right field. Two at bats later Nick Seamons would get his third home run of the season to guide the Sweets past the AppleSox as Ediger would close things out for the Sweets on the mound. 

WENATCHEE, Wash- Walla Walla fell to the AppleSox by an identical 10-1 margin in game two in Wenatchee. With the loss, the Sweets drop the series vs Wenatchee in their final series of the year.

Walla Walla would go down early allowing a run to score in the bottom of the first by way of a CJ Horn RBI ground out. The Sweets would also give up a pair of runs in the second before allowing an explosive bottom of the third to put things out of reach early.

The Sweets would give up four runs in the bottom of the third to go down 7-0. The inning would end on a RBI drop third strike wild pitch. Hayden Hattenbach would sit down Joichiro Oyama but Cole Cramer would score on the drop third strike coming in before the punch out of Oyama was recorded.

Walla Walla was able to get a run across as Nick Seamons would continue his impressive stretch by being driven in by his LC State teammate in Charlie Updegrave and his RBI double in the fourth.

The Sweets end their season tomorrow afternoon as they finish the series with Wenatchee.

WENATCHEE, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets fell to the AppleSox 10-1 as the AppleSox would clinch a playoff spot with the win vs the Sweets.

Walla Walla and Wenatchee would both trade strong defensive innings to start. However, the third inning saw five runs come aboard for Wenatchee.  AppleSox pitcher Evan Canfield would guide Wenatchee to the win going five scoreless innings allowing only two hits and striking out five.

Albert Roblez would struggle in the third however was solid with the exception of the lone inning. Without the third Roblez wouldn’t allow a run and only give up two hits in his final appearance with Walla Walla.

The Sweets would not find offense until the top of the eighth where Nick Seamons would go yard for the second time this season. Seamons has been very impressive for the Sweets since joining in the series vs Portland, batting .219, slugging .469 with 2 HR’s.

NEXT GAME- vs Wenatchee 8/6/22

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Sweets took down Ridgefield 7-2 in the Sweets home finale. Walla Walla was also able to take the series with Ridgefield in the process to help boost the Sweets to 22-29 on the year.

The contest wasn’t only the final home game of the season it was also the final game at Borleske for Leo Rivera. Rivera spent four years playing at Borleske with Whitman College and the Sweets sent the captain of the Blues out with a bang. Rivera would play all nine positions starting the game behind the plate and ending on the mound. On the mound, Rivera finishes off his season with a 0.00 ERA in five games, including a 1-0 record and 1 save (non-league vs CCL).

The Sweets would get on the board first by way of a RBI balk driving in Malcolm Williams from third to score the first run of a two run third inning.

Williams come around to score again in the fifth where the man of the hour at Borleske as Rivera would knock him in to make it a 4-1 game.

The Sweets would get a solid start from Jace Hanson who would go a season high six innings striking out a season tying five batters in the process.

Walla Walla would hold onto the lead the entire way and eventually take the series vs Ridgefield. The Sweets will finish off their season starting tomorrow as they go to Wenatchee to face off with the AppleSox.

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Sweets fell to Ridgefield 11-4 yesterday as the Raptors clinched a playoff spot with the win over Walla Walla.

The Sweets gave up the first two runs of the ball game by way of Jacob Sharps WCL leading 12th home run. However in the bottom half of the inning Nick Seamons would cut the lead in half getting his first homer of the season to make it a 2-1 game after three.

In the fourth inning the Sweets would tie up the ball game with a Rustin Edmiston RBI base hit scoring Derek Gellos in his final game with the Sweets.
Gellos would have an incredible day going 3/4 with a double in his Sweets finale.

Walla Walla would not be able to keep the game tied however as Ridgefield would go on to score five runs in the fifth inning to eventually take things 11-4.
Ridgefield currently holds the three seed in the WCL South division and has clinched a post season birth.

WALLA WALLA, Wash-The Walla Walla Sweets fell to Corvallis 1-0 in the series finale between the Sweets and the Knights. With the loss, the Sweets drop to 20-28 on the year as they get set for their final home series with Ridgefield.

The Sweets were led by a fantastic first start by Kolby Solomon who went four shutout innings striking out six batters in the process. Solomon made his first start of the year and had by far his best outing of the year, going for a season-high in innings pitched and strikeouts.

While Walla Walla had a great start, Corvallis’s starter Matt Scott would match things going 4.1 innings striking out six of his own and not allowing a run.

The first run of the game would not come until the top of the seventh when Logan Johnstone would pop up to right field scoring Temo Becerra. Becerra would get on by way of a hit by pitch and would move over to third by way of a sacrifice bunt.

Things would boil down to the bottom of the ninth where the Sweets would have the bases loaded and nobody down trailing by one. However, a 6-2-5 double play would put two outs on the board and the Sweets would end up leaving the bases loaded in the final inning falling to Corvallis 1-0.

NEXT GAME- Ridgefield 8/2/22

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Sweets fell in game two with Corvallis 11-1. With the loss, Walla Walla falls to 20-27 overall on the year sitting 6 games back of Bend for the final wild-card spot.

Walla Walla couldn’t find offense early as they traded scoreless innings to start off the ball game. However, in the second inning, Corvallis would explode for four runs in the top of the second.  Corvallis would add four more runs with three being scored in the fourth and one in the sixth.

The Sweets would find a run on the board in the eighth as Derek Gellos would drive in Kevin Spear to get the Sweets their first run of the ball game. Corvallis would be able to answer the run scored in the eighth with three more being added in the top of the ninth.

With a loss in game two the Sweets are eliminated from a second half championship. With a loss tomorrow and a Bend win the Sweets will be officially eliminated from playoff contention.

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Sweets fell to Corvallis in game one of the weekend 16-3. With the loss, it drops Walla Walla to 20-26 on the year and four games back of Bend for the final wild card birth (pending second-half champion).

The Sweets came into the game severally short-handed as pitcher Nick Wilson was the game’s right fielder. However, Wilson wasn’t the only pitcher to play the field as Zach Ediger would also work in left field after a swarm of defensive adjustments for Walla Walla.

Corvallis was not able to find runs till the third inning where they exploded for five runs and never looked back.

The Sweets finally found an answer in the bottom of the fifth inning when Kevin Spear drove in Nick Seamons following his one out triple cut the lead to nine.

A big positive for the Sweets was the performance of Walla Walla CC’s Hayden Thompson who came in for AC Plum and shut down Corvallis. Thompson would go 2.1 innings scoreless striking out four in the process.

PORTLAND, Oreg- The Sweets dropped the series finale at Portland 4-0. Portland has now swept the Sweets taking all six games of the season series between the Sweets and Pickles. With the loss, Walla Walla now sits 20-25 five games out of a playoff spot.

The contest followed a similar formula as the previous night with Portland scoring first with Jacob Jablonski grounding to short but driving in a run in the process. That’s all the Pickles would need to win the ball game as the Sweets were held scoreless. The Sweets did not score a run for 26 straight innings after scoring in the top of the first in game one.

A positive for the Sweets was the pitching as Liam Miller started the ball game going three innings and allowing only two earned runs. Zach Hangas also made his debut for Walla Walla going 1.2 innings allowing only one hit and no runs.

The Sweets get set for a huge contest with Corvallis with massive implications regarding the post season. Walla Walla now sits 6.5 games back of Corvallis for the top spot in the 2nd half and sit 5 games back of Bend who currently has the four seed.

WALLA WALLA, Wash- Due to extreme heat over the next few days, the start times for the next three Sweets games have been pushed back to 7:35 p.m., as opposed to the usual 7:05 p.m. start. The Sweets look to bring their own heat back to Borleske as they host the WCL-leading Corvallis Knights.

While the game time will be pushed back it will not interfere with the promotional schedule of the series.  The series is a part of players’ weekend as the Sweets will be wearing custom uniforms with their nicknames on the back.

On top of the uniform changes the Sweets will also be giving away a pair of tickets to next years MLB All Star Game to one lucky fan in attendance to Fridays contest with Corvallis.

Walla Walla is in control of their own destiny as they sit 5.5 games back of a second half title as well as 5 games back of what currently is the final wildcard spot. Walla Walla rounds out their home slate with Corvallis and Ridgefield in the next week.

PORTLAND, Oreg- Walla Walla fell to the Pickles 2-0 on Wednesday. With the loss, the Sweets would drop the series on the road and will look to avoid being swept in the season series tomorrow.

The Sweets were led by another solid start from Caden Kaelber who would go five innings allowing only two runs while striking out six. The first of the two runs given up came in the first inning with Michael Campagna driving in Blake Wink to start off the game.

Walla Walla couldn’t find an answer however as they were shutout in the contest vs Portland. Walla Walla did have chances however leaving eight runners on base in the ball game.

Walla Walla would do a good job defensively holding the amount of runs down as Portland would only be able to get runners across in the first and seventh innings.

The Sweets now sit at 20-24 and will look to avoid the sweep by the hands of the Pickles tomorrow.

PORTLAND, Oreg- The Walla Walla Sweets fell 8-1 in the first game of the series vs Portland. Walla Walla falls to now 20-23 on the year and 4.5 games back in the second-half title and four games out of Bend who holds the four seed.

The Sweets got on the board in the first inning as Cooper Cross extended his hit streak to 12 games while also extending an RBI streak to five games with a double to take a 1-0 lead.

The Sweets would hold that lead until Blake Wink would tie up the game at 1 with an sacrifice fly RBI in the third. In that inning Eddie Saldivar would lay down a bunt for a hit to end 2.2 hitless innings for Jace Hanson who worked very well for the Sweets even in a losing outcome.

Hanson would go five innings for the Sweets giving up only two runs with the second coming by way of a solo homer in the fourth.

The Sweets however, would give up another huge inning to the Pickles as Portland would score six runs in the seventh inning to walk out of Walker with a victory.

NEXT GAME- Portland 7/27/22 8:05 PM

WALLA WALLA, Wash. — A lucky Walla Walla Sweets fan who attends Friday’s game at Borleske Stadium will receive tickets to one of the hottest baseball events coming to the Pacific Northwest next summer.

A pair of tickets to the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which will be held at T-Mobile Park in Seattle next July, will be given to one fan through a random selection of all scanned admission tickets for that night.

“We’re very excited to be able to do this for our fans in Sweets Country,” Walla Walla general manager Cody Miller said. “With the All-Star Game coming back to the Pacific Northwest for the first time in 20 years, what better way to celebrate than this!”

The Sweets’ sibling team, the Yakima Valley Pippins, also will give away a pair of All-Star Game tickets on Saturday, July 30.

All fans who purchase a single-game ticket for the game online at SweetsTickets.com, in advance by calling 509-522-BALL, at the Sweets Shoppe in downtown Walla Walla, or at the box office on game day have a chance to win. Season-ticket holders, mini-plan buyers and group tickets for that night also are eligible to win.

The game is the middle contest of a key West Coast League South Division series between the Sweets and the Corvallis Knights, as the Sweets continue their second-half surge and are chasing a spot in the WCL playoffs.

Miller said the winner will be announced after the seventh inning.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, with first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Sweets fell to the AppleSox to round out their homestand 10-5 in game three. The Sweets would still win the series taking the first two games but weren’t able to sweep the AppleSox.

Walla Walla would go ahead early scoring three runs by way of three bases-loaded walks in the first inning.  The Sweets would however give up fiver combined runs in the third and fourth innings allowing the AppleSox to pull ahead.

In the third and fourth innings a pair of ejections were handed out to Correy Jarrell and Adam Fahsel. Jarrell was ejected after a lengthy delay regarding a quick pitch ruling and Fahsel was tossed after arguing a strikeout.

The Sweets would find a run in the sixth but Wenatchee would get a huge top of the seventh scoring four runs.

In the ninth, the Sweets would allow a run go in the top half but would fight in the ninth. Cooper Cross would extend his hit streak while also giving him the team leading 21st RBI on the season.

Even with the loss Walla Walla would win their fourth straight set and current sit on 3.5 games out of a playoff spot.

NEXT- Portland 7/26/22

WALLA WALLA, Wash- Walla Walla rolled over Wenatchee scoring eight runs in the first four innings to take things 11-7. Stu Flesland would also lift the Sweets past the AppleSox pitching five innings with nine strikeouts, a season high this year for Walla Walla.

Walla Walla again got on the board first putting a three spot on the board in the first inning and adding two more in the second. Cooper Cross would get the Sweets on the board first extending his now ten-game hit streak while also giving himself his team-best 19th RBI of the year.

Later in the ball game Joey Craig would continue his Borleske dominance with his third Joey Bomb in the last week as well as on the season.

Walla Walla and Wenatchee would trade runs in the fourth and fifth with the AppleSox cutting the lead to four going into the the ninth. In the eighth and ninth innings Matt Flores would take over for Quinten O’Connor and get the Sweets out with the victory.

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Sweets would continue to roll taking down Wenatchee 4-3 in game one of the series. Kaikea Harrison would drive in two runs in the eighth to lift Walla Walla to the win over Wenatchee.

The AppleSox struck first as both sides would exchange runs in the third inning.  Cooper Cross would drive in Malcolm Williams to extend his hit strike to nine games, It would also give Cross his 18th RBI of the season tying him for 2nd on the Sweets.

Wenatchee found the lead back in the next inning scoring one and taking the lead until the bottom of the sixth when Kevin Spear would go yard for the first time this season tying up the ball game.

That score would stay the same till Kaikea Harrison would get a two-run base hit to give the Sweets the lead in the eighth, giving Andrew Baughn the insurance to get the win in the ninth.

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets fell in the final game of the series with Springfield as the Drifters were able to avoid the Sweep by the hands of the Sweets.

Walla Walla would strike first scoring one in the fourth inning thanks to Malcolm Williams ground out to score Derek Gellos. The Sweets however wouldn’t be able to hold onto the lead as Springfield would score three runs in the next half inning.

The Sweets would continue to fight scoring one run in the next inning with a Cooper Cross RBI double which was moments away from tying up the game but Leo Rivera was tagged out at the plate to end the inning.

At that point the Sweets would cut the lead to two but again Springfield would strike with Jordan Justice scoring on a wild pitch.

In the eighth the Sweets would cut the lead back to only one with Cooper Cross again driving in a run with a base hit. However, the Sweets couldn’t continue the offense in the ninth inning.

The Sweets would still take the series vs the Drifters and take their third straight series and now sit 6-4 in their last 10 and 18-21 on the year sitting only 4.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the south division.

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets were able to extend their win streak and take their third straight series with the game two win vs Springfield.  The Sweets were able to take down the Drifters 4-3 and move to 18-20 on the season.

The Sweets were led by a pitching gem by Caden Kaelber who would go seven scoreless innings in his return to Borleske in a starting role for the Sweets.  The former WCL 1st team selection would give Walla Walla possibly their best performance all year in his debut this summer going longer than any Sweets pitcher this season.

The Sweets would strike first scoring four runs in the first inning thanks to RBI base hits from Leo Rivera and Joey Craig. Again however the Sweets would not get back on the board being blanked for the entirety of the ball game following the first.

The Drifters would be held in check all the way till the ninth inning when Isiah Thomas would get a three-run homer to cut the lead to only one. However, Jace Hanson would come in for Walla Walla and was able to shut things down in the ninth while also recording two strikeouts for the Sweets.

NEXT GAME 7/21/22 Springfield

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets took down Springfield 10-5 in the series opener and the first ever game between the two squads in Walla Walla. The Sweets would be led by a seven-run first inning and a Joey Craig grand slam.

The first inning is where the Sweets would do a bulk of their damage. The Sweets would walk in three runs with the bases loaded to take the lead 3-0. With the lead Joey Craig would continue his hot streak with his second home run of year coming with the bases loaded to give Walla Walla a 7-0 lead after one inning.

Following that inning the offense would cool off not seeing runs score until the eighth inning.  During that time Springfield would score five runs without an answer by Walla Walla.

In the top of the eighth Matt Flores would come in to pitch for Walla Walla and helped give the an added boost. In the eighth Joey Craig would drive in Malcolm Williams to get his fifth RBI on the contest. Ben Schulte and Joey Craig would also help drive in runs for the Sweets to extend the lead to five going into the final inning, where Flores and the Sweets would get out and take game one. 

NEXT GAME- Springfield 7/20/22

KELOWNA, B.C- The Walla Walla Sweets were able to take down Kelowna in the series finale 6-4. The win gives the Sweets their second straight series win and puts them at 4-5 in the second half of the WCL season.

Walla Walla would strike first for a third straight game as Kevin Spear tried to steal second allowing JJ Gerarden to score but Spear would be tagged out in order to end the inning. While scoring first the lead did not last long as Kelowna would score three runs in the bottom of the second to take a 3-1 lead.

The Sweets would then find their way back into the ball game , when in the fifth inning Derek Gellos would drill a shot into right field allowing Joey Craig and Josh Williams to score with a two-run triple. That would tie the game up at three each but following that big inning Shea Thomas would score on a wild pitch to give the lead back to the Falcons.

Sweets would again find the runs late thanks to Josh Williams. Williams would hammer a shot down the right field line with two on, which would easily clear the wall for his sixth home run on the season and would give Walla Walla the lead 6-4 which they would eventually hold onto for the win.

NEXT GAME- Springfield 7/19/22

KELOWNA, B.C- Walla Walla was able to get a huge game two win over Kelowna 13-10 as Leo Rivera would enter the game to pitch for the Sweets in the eighth innings. Rivera would record two strikeouts in two scoreless innings of work to pick up the win.

The Sweets would again go down early as Kelowna would take a 2-1 lead after the first inning. Walla Walla would match every bit of offense the Falcons would give until the fourth inning of work when Kelowna would put a five-spot up to take a four-run lead.

Walla Walla would continue to fight however as they were down by five after five innings but then the switch would be flipped by Walla Walla. In the top of the sixth the Sweets would score three runs to cut the deficit.

That would just be the start for the Sweets as they would score nine runs unanswered in the final four innings  to take game two 13-10.

NEXT GAME- vs Kelowna 7/17/22

KELOWNA, B.C-The Walla Walla Sweets fell to the Kelowna Falcons 5-4 as their late game comeback came up short. Walla Walla would score four runs late but couldn’t find enough offense after a slow start.

The Sweets went down by five after the first four innings. During those innings, the biggest struggle for the Sweets was offense as Jasper Nelson would go four innings of no-hit ball for Kelowna.

The Sweets would find their first hit by Kai Osaka in the sixth. Osaka was excellent for the Sweets on the day finishing 1/2 with two hit-by pitches. Even after breaking up the no-no the Sweets still trailed by five.

The Sweets would get help by things defensively to keep themselves in the ball game as Jace Hanson would come in for Albert Roblez and go four innings allowing only three hits and no earned runs.

With the help defensively Walla Walla would find a spark offensively as they would score four runs in the top of the eighth.  The Sweets would work with the bases loaded and do a good amount of damage but couldn’t tie things up going the rest of the way.

NEXT GAME- 7/16/22 vs Kelowna

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets were able to walk things off in the final game of the homestand vs Bend 9-8 in 10 innings. Ben Schulte worked with the bases loaded scoring Leo Rivera by way of a fielding error at first.

Sweets would trail early as Bend would score the first two runs of the ball game in the second and third. The Sweets would find an answer with Cooper Cross scoring on a wild pitch to get Walla Walla on the board.

The bottom of the sixth was big for the Sweets as Walla Walla would put up three runs in the bottom of the inning as Davis Mieliwocki and Malcolm Williams would drive in runs to give the Sweets the lead. Mieliwocki’s day would continue to be impressive as he would add two more RBI’s to his line with a base hit in the seventh.

Things looked down for Walla Walla following a five-run top of the eighth by Bend, but Walla Walla would find an answer by way of a “Joey Bomb” by Joey Craig to start the bottom of the inning, his first of the season. Kai Osaka would keep the party going scoring Derek Gellos with a RBI triple.

Walla Walla would go into the ninth trailing by one and Joey Craig would again keep hope alive for the Sweets. Craig would get a base hit to score Cooper Cross to tie up the contest at 8-8 but was thrown out at second to go into extras.

Cayden Herbst would strike out two batters in the tenth to give the Sweets the chance to walk things off, which they would with the fielding error and Leo Rivera coming in to take the series for Walla Walla.

The series win is Walla Walla’s first since the end of June vs Springfield.

NEXT GAME- Kelowna 7/15/22

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets fell in the series opener with Bend 13-7. Walla Walla would drop their sixth straight game and fall to 12-19 on the season.

Walla Walla would be able to strike first scoring two runs in the bottom of the second thanks to Cooper Cross’s two-run base hit. Following the second things would go downhill for the Sweets, Bend would score nine runs unanswered.

The Sweets would find offense in the bottom of the fifth thanks to Leo Rivera and JJ Gerarden with RBI base hits.  However, just as the Sweets would find momentum Bend would take things right back scoring two in the top of the sixth.

Late in the evening Sweets would score two runs in the eighth with again Bend matching them in the top of the ninth.

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets dropped their fifth straight contest as they were swept by the hands of the Portland Pickles. Pickles hand the Sweets their first sweep as Portland took down Walla Walla 10-2 in the series finale.

Again the Sweets would trail early as Portland would score one in the first inning of work. Portland starter Payton Jones was lights out on the evening going five shutout innings while striking out nine Sweets in the process.

The Sweets were able to keep the game at that 1-0 margin thanks to a solid outing by Hayden Hattenbach who was able to go five innings of his own while striking out five. He would see three runs total go by but only two of them being earned.

Portland would take a 6-0 lead before the Sweets would find an answer in the bottom of the eighth. In that inning Walla Walla would see Ben Schulte score on a fielders choice play and Malcolm Williams score on a flyout by Cooper Cross.

Sweets would then allow four runs in the ninth and couldn’t find an answer late.

Next Game- Bend 7/12/22

WALLA WALLA, Wash- For the second straight game the Walla Walla Sweets would allow a late inning comeback as they fell to the Portland Pickles 13-6. Sweets were not able to hold onto a one run lead in the ninth as Portland would score seventh runs in the top of the ninth.

The Sweets go down early but would be able to take the lead in the seventh scoring three runs in the inning to take a 6-5 lead. Devan Ornelas and Leo River would both be able to drive in runs for Walla Walla and help take the lead.

However for the second time in the last 24 hours the Sweets would allow a late game comeback, and arguably today’s was worse. Yesterday at Bend the Sweets would allow seven runs in the bottom in the eighth and today in the top of the ninth the Sweets would give up eight runs to Portland in the ninth.

NEXT GAME- 7/9/22

BEND, Ore- The Walla Walla Sweets dropped the series finale with the Bend Elks 9-4 as the Sweets let up seven runs in the eighth inning. Walla Walla drops to 12-15 and three games below .500 for the first time this season.

Things looked good to start for Walla Walla as Nick Wilson went five innings allowing only one earned run in his start. Bend would strike first but the Sweets would answer with two runs in the top of the fifth inning to take the lead. Walla Walla would take the lead as Jarred Mazzaferro and Cooper Cross would drive in runs for the Sweets.

Mazzaferro would get his second RBI on the day as he drove in Kevin Spear to take 4-2 lead in the sixth.

However, in the eighth things would go hard south for Walla Walla. Kolby Solomon would walk two batters before being taken out and then Riley Kasper would hit a first pitch bomb off of Albert Roblez to start a seven run eighth inning for Bend.

NEXT GAME- 7/8/22 Portland

BEND, Ore- The Walla Walla Sweets were unable to win back-to-back matchups as the fell to Bend 8-1. The Sweets were blanked until the eight inning as they fall to 12-14 on the season.

Walla Walla would trail early as Bend would put up a run in the first as Brady Kasper would drive in a run for the Elks. The Sweets would keep things close even with bend scoring two runs in the third.

In the fourth inning things would break open for the Elks. Bend would put up four runs in the fourth extending the lead to 7-0. Beau Sylvester would be able to finish off the inning with a two-run bomb for Bend.

The Sweets would eventually get one run on the board thanks to a Josh Williams sacrifice fly in the eighth inning to cut the deficit to 8-1.

Next Game- Bend 7/7/22

BEND, Or- The Walla Walla Sweets took down the Bend Elks 8-5 thanks to a pair of bombs from Josh Williams. The Sweets took an early lead thanks to Josh Williams and JJ Gerarden both leaving the yard in back-to-back at bats to put the Sweets on top.

Walla Walla would start off hot like previously mentioned. Gerarden and Williams would go back-to-back with solo homers in the first. Then in the second Walla Walla would score two more runs to take a 4-2 lead into the fourth when Josh Williams would send one out for the second time in the contest.

Things would get rocky as Bend wouldn’t go down easy. The Elks would keep things close for a majority of the contest. The Sweets would still sit on top going into the ninth. Ben was able to get a run to score with the bases loaded in the ninth inning to make it a three run game. However, Trent Sellers would work in the ninth for Walla Walla and get Elijah Jackson to pop up to end the ball game.

Next Game- 7/6/22 Bend

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets were able to pick up the victory over the CCL to round out their homestand on the Fourth of July. Sweets still remain perfect in non-league play

The day started off well as Walla Walla would get offense early scoring three runs in the 2nd inning. In the 2nd Kai Osaka would help score two runs by way of a few throwing errors scoring Jordan Andrade and Joey Craig. Will Fuenning would ground out but score Kai Osaka to extend the lead for Walla Walla and start and impressive day for Fuenning.

Fuenning’s impressive day would be highlighted in the fourth inning where Fuenning would get home run number two on the year (not in WCL play) to extend the lead to 5-0.

The Sweets would get into trouble in the ninth as AC Plum would load the bases and allow four runs to score. Malcolm Williams would see one go by, but Leo Rivera would come in to replace Williams and would get the final out the Sweets needed.

Next Game- Bend 7/5/22

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets fell in both games of the doubleheader today vs Kelowna. Kelowna was able to take game one 5-1 and shutout the Sweets in game two 5-0.

Game one for the Sweets was going well thanks to a great start from Stu Flesland. However the Sweets would struggle getting any run support as Flesland’s day would conclude after another five shutout inning performance.  In the sixth Quinten O’Connor would walk the bases loaded and Liam Miller would see five runs go by in replacement.

Josh Williams was solid for the Sweets going 2/2 with a double and a triple in game one but was left on the base pads on both of his extra base hits.

In game two, Walla Walla wouldn’t be able to find any offense. The Sweets were no hit through five innings as Malcolm Williams was able to get a ground ball up the middle but at tat point it was already to late.

NEXT GAME- 7/4/22 vs CCL

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets were able to take down their neighbors from the north in the Kelowna Falcons 7-4 on Friday night. Sweets were able to get back to .500 with the win.

The Sweets were led by another gem by Andrew Baughn who pitched five scoreless innings while only allowing one hit. Baughn’s day would end probably the best way one could ask for, which was by his seventh strike out. His seventh strikeout of the contest came against his brother Matt who plays for Kelowna.

The Sweets would find offense in the third inning as with the bases loaded first Cooper Cross would score Joey Craig, then Jordan Andrade would walk in Malcolm Williams. Davis Mieliwocki would help score Mazzaferro on a fielders choice play. Finally, Cooper Cross would score on a wild pitch.

The Sweets would hold the lead the whole way through and take game one of the series 7-4. Game two of the set is scheduled for tomorrow at 7:05 pm

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets were able to pick up the victory in the series finale over Yakima Valley. The contest was also the final game for Manager Van Horn as he goes back to New Mexico State in a full time role.

The contest followed a similar formula as the first two games vs Yakima as both sides had very solid starts on the mound, with both pitchers going scoreless through four innings. Nick Wilson would pitch fiver shutout innings and in the fifth inning the offense would come alive for Walla Walla. Sweets would take a 3-0 lead following the fifth as Derek Gellos would score Jared Mazzaferro and Will Fuenning to give the Sweets the lead.

Walla Walla would add a run in each the sixth and the seventh to take a 5-0 lead into the ninth. The ninth was a bit dramatic for the Sweets but Kolby Solomon would help get the Sweets out after allowing the three runs to score for Yakima Valley.

The win is the final for Van Horn as he will be replaced by pitching coach Brandon Vial as he embarks to New Mexico State. Vial will be taking over the role as manager for the rest of the season for the Sweet. Vial will continue to be assisted by Peter Abinanti.

Sweets get set for a out of division matchup with Kelowna tomorrow at 7:05 pm.

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets were unable to get the win in the second game of the series vs Yakima Valley, as the Pippins would clinch the series victory 9-3. The Sweets now sit two games below .500 at 9-11 on the year.

The contest started off with great pitching from Dylan Matsuoka for the Sweets and Tyler Frieders for Yakima Valley. Matsuoka would go scoreless for three inning only allowing one hit. However in Matsuoka’s fourth and fifth innings of work he would allow five runs to go by which were the first he’s led up all year long.

Frieders would shut the Sweets down not allowing the Sweets to get a hit for the first five innings. The Sweets would break up the no-hitter in the fifth with Jared Mazzaferro. Walla Walla wouldn’t find a run till they trailed 9-0 and the hill was ultimately too steep for the Sweets to climb.

WALLA WALLA, Wash. — First-year Sweets manager Brandon Van Horn, who joined the team earlier this month after New Mexico State’s improbable but exciting run through the Division I baseball playoffs after Walla Walla’s season had started, has accepted a full-time coaching position with the Aggies.

Van Horn, a volunteer assistant with the Aggies in 2021 and 2022, will become a paid assistant coach. Because his new role begins July 1, Van Horn’s last game coaching the Sweets will be Thursday.

While Van Horn’s departure after just a few weeks with the team is a surprise, Sweets general manager Cody Miller said the promotion of the former minor-leaguer is an example of what hard work can do, whether as a player or a coach.

“Even in just a few weeks here, Brandon has had a big impact on our players and team-building,” Miller said. “He’s always working to help players improve, whether it’s in batting practice or during games. He gives 100 percent and leads by example.”

“With the landscape of college baseball, you spend two years as a true volunteer, and then getting rewarded from the university and coach (Mike) Kirby to get to be a full-time assistant, we’re so, so grateful and super lucky,” Van Horn said shortly before the Sweets’ batting practice Wednesday.

“We’ve been blessed to be able to come up here for the time that we have had, and to build a relationship with the people of Walla Walla,” he said. “They’ve been awesome, as has everyone with the Sweets.”

Pitching coach Brandon Vial will become interim manager, and Peter Abananti will remain as assistant coach, Miller said.

Before Van Horn joined the Sweets, the Aggies won the Western Athletic Conference tournament in mid-May and earned an automatic berth in the Division I playoffs, their first since 2018. The postseason run extended past the start of the Sweets’ 2022 season, and Van Horn made his Walla Walla debut on the team’s home opener on June 10.

Van Horn played for four years in the minors in the San Francisco Giants’ farm system. After San Francisco drafted him in the 19th round in 2016, Van Horn reached as high as Triple A in the minors.

“One of the best lessons I learned in professional baseball was that you never know who’s watching,” Van Horn said. “That usually comes with a negative connotation, but you can flip that into a positive because you never know what kid is sitting in the stands watching, and he wants to grow up to be a Walla Walla Sweet, and he sees one guy, he sees josh Williams get a hit and that inspires him even more.

“This game is full of opportunities, and you never know what that is going to look like, ” Van Horn said. “It could be a little one or it could be a bunch of them, but you’ve got to be ready for them.”

WALLA WALLA, WA- The Walla Walla Sweets dropped their first game back at home to the Yakima Valley Pippins. With the loss the Sweets dropped back to below .500 now sitting at 9-10 on the season.

The Sweets fell behind early as two runs would score for the Pippins in the top of the first. Sweets pitcher Tyler Hoeft actually was able to get a strikeout that would’ve ended the inning however a dropped third strike to Connor Coballes put a runner on first and the inning would continue. The Pips’ would load the bases and Sam Olsson would drive two runs in to take the lead in the first.

Walla Walla would find an answer as Davis Mieliwocki would score by Devan Ornelas’s base hit. Malcolm Williams and Kai Osaka would both score on wild pitches which would give the Sweets the lead. Walla Walla would hold that lead until the eighth thanks to a great start from Tyler Hoeft.

But in the eigth the Sweets would allow two runs to score and wouldn’t be able to come back in the ninth.

SPRINGFIELD, OR-   The Walla Walla Sweets were able to end their lengthy road trip with a victory as they took down the Drifters 5-2. The Sweets Were also able to fight back to .500 now at 9-9 on the season.

The day started with once again excellent pitching from Stu Flesland who would pick up the win for Walla Walla going five shutout innings and recording six strikeouts, while only allowing one hit on the day.

The Sweets would get offense behind him in the third, as JJ Gerarden would get his first homer of the season with a high fly to left to put Walla Walla on top.

The Sweets would score two more runs in the fourth as the birthday boy Leo Rivera was able to get an RBI base hit and Julian Alvarez would follow his lead to give the Sweets a 3-0 lead going into the 6 sixth inning.

In the Sixth the Drifters would finally answer to cut the lead to only one but Walla Walla would get those runs back in the top of the seventh to take the final game of the weekend set with the Drifters.

Next game- 6/28 vs Yakima Valley

SPRINGFIELD, OR- The Walla Walla Sweets were able to take game two of the series vs the Drifters to end their three-game losing streak on Saturday.  The Sweets would also record their first shutout of the year as they would defeat Springfield 1-0.

Cameron Scudder would have his best outing of the year going five shutout innings with four strikeouts, only allowing three hits.  Scudder would get the win in his longest outing of the season, previously not going more than three.

The Sweets offensively struggled again only putting up one run. Walla Walla has now been outscored 26-13 in the last four contest.

The Sweets lone run of the game would be scored by Cooper Cross who came in to score thanks to Will Fuenning who was able to get back on track with a one for three outing with a base hit and a walk. Fuenning had his 12 game on base streak snapped in game one vs Springfield but was able to reach safely twice in game two.

The Sweets get set for the finale tomorrow as they try to get back to .500 sitting now at 8-9.

Next Game- Springfield 6/26

SPRINGFIELD, OR- The Walla Walla Sweets fell to the Springfield Drifters 7-2 in the first-ever meeting between the two franchises.   For a third straight game, the Sweets trailed by multiple runs after 3 innings and were not able to come back.

Springfield was led by a two-run three-hit complete game by Dylan O’Connor who was able to pick up the victory over Walla Walla. O’Connor was perfect through 4 2/3 innings as Walla Walla would make an almost full team substitution. Derek Gellos would break up perfection with a two-out base hit in the fifth. Gellos would come around to score thanks to DH Cooper Cross.

The Sweets would only be able to score the two runs in the top of the fifth and the Drifters would go on to score four runs including a two-run bomb in the eighth by Jordan Justice.

NEXT GAME- Springfield 6/25

CORVALLIS, OR- After taking game one the Walla Walla Sweets would drop back to back, as they would fall to the Corvallis Knights 9-5 in the series finale. Walla Walla would move to 7-8 on the year as they head back on the road to face off with Springfield this weekend.

For back-to-back games, the Sweets would trail 4-0 as Corvallis was able to start off the contest with another impressive first inning. The Knights would score three runs in the first taking Sweets starter, Anthony Fidanza, out after only one inning of work.

The Sweets would find an answer to keep things within grasp in the third. Leo Rivera would get his 13th RBI as he was able to get a double to score Derek Gellos to cut the lead to 3.

Walla Walla would then score 2 in the fifth thanks to Will Fuenning who had a two-run base hit to cut the lead to 2. But in the next inning Corvallis would re-extend the lead with a three spot put up in the bottom of the sixth.

Walla Walla would score 2 in the seventh and Corvallis would answer scoring one run to seal the deal in the bottom half of the inning.

NEXT GAME – 6/24/22 vs Springfield

CORVALLIS, OR- The Walla Walla Sweets were unable to pick up the game two victory as they fell to the Corvallis Knights 10-5. The Sweets fell behind early as Corvallis was able to take an 8-0 lead through three innings and never looked back.

The Sweets would trail the whole way, mainly due to a five-run bottom of the 1st from Corvallis. In that first Inning Sweets pitcher, Tyler Hoeft would allow five runs on five hits. Hoeft would take the loss for Walla Walla going only two innings and allowing seven runs (5 earned).

The Sweets would retaliate in the 5th where they were able to cut the deficit in half to only four. However, Corvallis would answer back and score two more runs in the final few frames on their way to a 10th victory on the season. With the loss Walla Walla falls back to .500 and 7-7.

Walla Walla will round out the series vs Corvallis tomorrow before heading back on the road to Springfield this weekend.

CORVALLIS, Or- The Walla Walla Sweets were able to hand the Corvallis Knights their first loss of the season, as Walla Walla took game one of the series 2-1. The Sweets improve to 7-6 and move above .500 for the second time this season.

The Sweets were led by excellent pitching as Alec Holmes went 5 scoreless innings (allowed one unearned) followed by Dylan Matsuoka and Stu Flesland coming in to secure the victory for the Sweets. Holmes picked up the victory for his performance allowing only three hits in 5 innings en route to his first victory with the Sweets. Stu Flesland would get the save, coming in to work in the 8th and striking out four of the seven batters he faced.

The lone scoring in the matchup would come in the third inning as JJ Gerrarden would drive in Malcolm Williams with a RBI triple. Gerraden would then score the next at bat by way of a sacrifice fly by Josh Williams to make it 2-0.

Corvallis would score a run in the bottom of the third to answer however were not able to come back as the 3rd inning would be enough for the Sweets to take game one.

Next Game- 6:35 PM vs Corvallis

PORT ANGELES, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets fell to the Lefties 5-3 in the series finale. The loss to Port Angeles snaps a six-game win streak for the Sweets.

The Lefties would take an early lead thanks to a lead-off home run from Evan Jilbert in the 3rd. The Lefties would then match the lead-off bomb in the 3rd with a lead-off shot from Riley Parker in the next inning. Port Angeles would add two more runs in the 4th to give them a 3-0 lead after 4 frames.

The Sweets wouldn’t go down without a fight as they would score two runs in the 6th thanks to RBI’s from Josh Williams and Leo Rivera.

The Lefties would answer with a run in the bottom of the 6th which would ultimately be enough to lift them pass the Sweets to move to 8-9 on the year. With the loss the Sweets move to 6-6 as they head to Corvallis next week.

PORT ANGELES, Wash- The Sweets were able to extend their win streak to now six games (three in WCL play) as they took game 2 over the Lefties 7-1. The story of the ball game was once again an incredible day on the mound by a trio of Sweets Cameron Scudder, Dylan Matsuoka, and Tyler Cornett who combined to strike out 14 batters.

The Sweets would take a three-run lead early as Nick Strong was able to get a two-run triple, and Joey Craig drove him in with a sac fly RBI in the 2nd inning.

Walla Walla would again take the lead and not look back as they would add two more runs in the fifth before the Lefties could find an answer.

The story of the game goes to the pitching staff who have been electric on this run for the Sweets. Today Cameron Scudder would fan five batters in three innings in a winning outing for the Sweets. Dylan Matsuoka would come in and punch out three of his own in three innings of work without allowing a hit. Finally Tyler Cornett would finish things off going three innings as well and striking out the final six batters of the ball game.

Sweet’s look for the series sweep tomorrow vs Port Angeles at 1:35.

PORT ANGELES, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets picked up their fifth straight win (2nd in WCL action), as they took down the Port Angeles Lefties 4-1. Walla Walla was led by fantastic pitching performances highlighted by starter Andrew Baughn. Baughn was able to record seven strikeouts in six shutout innings for Walla Walla.

The Sweets’ offense took a while to get going as things were scoreless going into sixth. However, in the sixth, the Sweets were able to score three runs thanks to Nick Strong who drove in Jordan Andrade with a double and was followed by an absolute no doubter by Josh Williams just one pitch later.

Walla Walla would go on to score one in the seventh to give reliever Stu Flesland a 4-0 lead to work with and in his lone inning of work he was able to strike out the side in only 13 pitches.

Hayden Hattenbach came in to work in the eighth and recorded a strike out for the Sweets and Nick Wilson was able to close things out the Sweets took the first game of the weekend and move to .500 on the year.

NEXT GAME- @Port Angeles 6:35pm

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Walla Walla Sweets were able to pick up the series sweep and extend their win streak to now four games with an 8-1 win over the Northwest Star Nighthawks.

The Sweets took an early lead as Kai Osaka was able to get a solo homer in the first. The solo shot was Osaka’s second of the year and his second in as many games played, as he was able to drive one to the same spot today as he did in game one vs the Nighthawks.

Walla Walla would take a three run lead going into the third frame where they would put up four as they worked with the bases loaded for a majority of the inning. Joran Andrade led off the inning with a double and the Sweets never looked back. Davis Mieliwocki, Leo Rivera, Malcolm Williams, and Julian “Rafa” Alvarez were all able to get RBI’s in a big inning for the Sweets.

The Sweets would surrender only one run in the contest due in part with a great start from Anthony Fidanza as well as great work in relief from Hayden Thompson as well as Kolby Solomon. Solomon came in for Walla Walla in the eighth and recorded four strikeouts in only 2 innings of work.

Next Game- 6/17/22 vs Port Angeles

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Sweets were able to get a decisive game two victory over the NW Star Nighthawks 6-5.  The Sweets were able to walk things off as Jakob Marquez led off the ninth with a triple and then scored on a wild pitch.

The Sweets would take a bit to get going offensively, however, stellar pitching form Tyler Hoeft kept the Sweets in a position to strike. Hoeft gave up only one run in six innings of work as well as recording 8 strike outs, a season high for any pitcher this season.

The Sweets would trail going into the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom half of the inning the Sweets would explode for 5 runs. Walla Walla would hold that lead till the 7th when the NightHawks would tie things up.

Albert Roblez would enter the game to pitch in the eighth and was able to shut things down to eventually give them an opportunity to walk things off in the ninth.

Jakob Marquez led off in the inning with a triple and score on the wild pitch to extend the win streak to three games for Walla Walla.

Next game- NW Star NightHawks 6:35pm

WALLA WALLA, Wash- The Sweets were able to get the offense rolling as they scored a season-high in runs with their 13-5 victory over the NW Star Nighthawks.

The bats got going early for the Sweets, as they were able to score six runs in the first frame. The Sweets were able to load the bases as Malcolm Williams continued his hot streak with a 3-run double which made it 5-0. Will Fuenning would then drive in Williams to end the first up six.

The  Nighthawks would score one in the fourth but Kai Osaka was able to get the Sweets out of the top half of the inning with a 4-3 double play, and then followed it up by casually blasting a solo shot to left to retake a 6 run lead.

Will Fuenning would re-enter the stat sheet as he was able to highlight a big fifth inning with a 2-run home run. The blast was Fuenning’s first with the Sweets. He would finish the day 2/4 with 3 RBI’s to extend his lead for the WCL’s top spot in batting average.

Sweets a run in the seventh to give them their 13th on the contest. The previously high this year was 12 runs being scored in a losing effort vs Ridgefield where the two team’s combined for the most in WCL history.

Next Game- NW Star Nighthawks 6:35 6/15/22

WALLA WALLA, Wash Tomorrow’s non-league matchup between Walla Walla and the Cascade Collegiate League has been canceled and will not be made up due to weather and field conditions.  The Sweets are still set to face off with the Northwest Star Nighthawks at Borleske later this week.

As previously stated the contest will not be made up, all tickets can be exchanged for tickets to any Sweets regular season contest. However, ticket’s are subject to change due to availability. Fans looking for an exchange can either do it at the box office or at the Sweets Offices at 109 E. Main St in Walla Walla. Any questions please call 509-522-2255 or email Tommy@WallaWallaSweets.com.

WALLA WALLA, Wash-  The Sweets were able to get back on track as they fight to one game below .500 with the 11-4 win in the series finale vs Cowlitz. The win snaps a two game skid for the Sweets and snaps a six game win streak for the Black Bears.

As things were looking to be much of the same early with Cowlitz taking a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the second the Sweets were able to explode for 5 in the bottom of the inning. Sweets would get their first lead of the series and never looked back. Davis Mieliwocki would extend his hot streak with a RBI double to get Walla Walla on the board. Jakob Marquez would follow up and drive in Mieliwocki’s college teammate Kai Osaka to tie up the ball game, and the Malcom Williams would drive one deep to left field to give Walla Walla a 5-2 lead into the fourth.

The fourth inning would start in favor of the Black Bears as Ben Zeigler would drive in a run to cut the deficit to two. That wouldn’t last long however as with the bases loaded Leo Rivera would hammer one to deep left and clear the bases for his West Coast League leading third home run of the season.

Sweets would score two more runs for insurance in the final few frames on their way to an 11-4 victory over Cowlitz. 

Up Next 

June 13th 11:00AM vs CCL

Walla Walla, WA – The start time for today’s game vs. the Cowlitz Black Bears has been moved from 6:05pm to 11:05am start time today.

The decision comes as heavy rainfall is predicted later Sunday afternoon in the Walla Walla Valley.

Tickets are still available for purchase.

WALLA WALLA, Wash-  The Sweets fell in game two to Cowlitz as the Black Bears were able to extend their win streak now to six games and drop the Sweets to 3-5. Cowlitz moves to 7-1 which is the most wins by anyone in the WCL so far this season.

The Sweets again fell behind early as Cowlitz was able to score one in the first and followed it up by scoring three before the Sweets could answer. Walla Walla was able to score one run thanks to Davis Mieliwocki who drove in Leo Rivera to finally put the Sweets on the board.

The Black Bears scored four runs in the top half of the fifth to extend their lead to six and Walla Walla would answer by scoring two off a double from Meiliwocki’s Chapman teammate Kai Osaka. 

Ultimately the Sweets would go down by too much to overcome even with a solid pitching performance from the debuting Nick Wilson who recorded three strikeouts in two innings of work

Up Next 

June 12th 11:00AM vs Cowlitz

WALLA WALLA, Wash-  The Walla Walla Sweets fell in their home opener vs Cowlitz 9-3 as the late game push in the ninth wasn’t enough for the Sweets. Walla Walla trailed by as many as eight runs throughout the contest as the Black Bears held the lead early and never looked back.

Cowlitz scored in each of the first three frames taking a 5-0 lead into the fourth inning. The scoring would slow down in the middle innings as Andrew Baughn and Ryan Rembisz were able to shut things down for the respective sides. 

Walla Walla would score one run in the seventh thanks to Davis Mieliwocki, who had a base hit with the bases loaded to put Walla Walla on the board. The Sweets however would leave the bases loaded in the seventh.

The answer by Cowlitz wouldn’t take much time, as the Black Bears would have a lead-off home run by Calyn Halvorson to start what would end up being a three-run top of the eighth for Cowlitz.

The Sweets would score two runs in the ninth as Jordan Andrade dropped a base hit with the bases loaded. However, Ultimately the eight runs were too much of a deficit to overcome.

Up Next 

June 11th 6:35PM vs Cowlitz