RICHLAND – Runs were tough to come by in Mount Baker’s first round 1A state playoff game against Kiona-Benton, and the Mountaineers scored all three of them as they defeated the Bears 3-0 (despite what the WIAA and MaxPreps websites would have you believe.)
After two scoreless innings, Mountie junior catcher Grace Davis singled and was followed up by a line-drive triple to right field by senior Kaylea Sleveland. Sleveland then scored on a wild pitch to give Baker an early 2-0 lead.
“It felt really good when I hit it,” Sleveland said. “We were pretty excited to play, and we’re playing with good energy.”
Junior Anya Zender knocked in an insurance run in the seventh inning, which put the final score at 3-0, and the win sets up a quarter final match up against Chewelah.
Mount Baker had another chance to score in the fifth inning when Erica Brown’s bunt led to two runners getting tagged while off the bases.
“It was almost like her bunt was too good,” Mountaineer coach Ron Lepper said. “We made some base running errors on that play, but we didn’t let that get us down. We were able to get the momentum back and finish the game.”
Sophomore pitcher Tyler Miles threw the complete game shut out, scattering 10 hits, while striking out six and not walking any batters.
“Tyler really battled all game for us,” Lepper said. “And, our defense played pretty well. Kennedy West had some great plays at third base, and Mackenzie Ross had two big catches in left field to end the game.”
