Elks comeback comes up short against Sweets

Bend battled back from an early deficit but fell in the end. (Sage Young)

Walla Walla, WA - Bend came up short in its comeback efforts Wednesday falling to Walla Walla 6-5 to set up the Elks first rubber match.

After falling behind 4-0 in the first two innings, Bend's (9-8, 9-8) bats awoke late with a seventh-inning rally to put things at a draw entering the final two frames.

Yet, a throwing error by Vinny Salvione in the next inning allowed Wall Walla (5-11, 5-11) to pull back ahead by a pair.

Even still, the Elks had an opportunity to take the lead in the ninth after loading up the bases with no outs, which set up a Brett Ott sacrifice fly to pull Bend within one.

The Elks batting average leader Josh Wakefield came off the bench for a pinch hit opportunity but unfortunately hit into a game ending 5-4-3 double play as it was too little too late for Bend.

The game was rocky from the get-go as Elks starter Wyatt Navora gave away five free passes, enabling the Sweets to score four runs across four in the first two frames.

Bend's offense flatlined through the first four innings as Walla Walla starter and second-year Sweet Josh Aribal faced the minimum through four and struck out seven Elks.

When the Sweets turned to their bullpen, the Elks' offense ignited. Meanwhile when Bend turned to its bullpen, Walla Walla's offense seemingly shutdown with Elks relievers combining for five strikeouts and no earned runs allowed over the later six and a third innings.

But self-inflicted wounds cost the Elks in the end just like they did in the start.

Bend will clash with the Sweets in its first rubber match of the summer in hopes of taking the season series Thursday at  6:35 p.m. at Borleske Stadium.