Elks Pitching Yields Yakima’s Bats for Series Win

Kellan Oakes twirled with a gem for five innings to fuel the Elks’ win. (Andrew Green)

Bend, OR. - For a pitching staff that has struggled to fill up the zone, the Bend Elks were able to put aside that narrative and hold the Yakima Valley Pippins scoreless through eight innings to earn a 6-3 series win to cap off the first half of the season.

A fabulous five-inning start by Kellan Oakes (1-0), who gave up just one hit and a walk, complemented by solid middle relief, provided the Elks with the luxury of a cushion that was taken full advantage of in the ninth inning. Braeden Munger failed to complete the shutout giving free handouts to all four batters he faced while accounting for three earned runs without recording an out. Jackson Bolander was tasked with cleaning up Munger’s mess, and he did just that, working a strikeout and a game-ending 6-4-3 double play to secure the victory.

At the plate, Bend got out and ran from the first pitch, hauling runs in four of the first five innings, including a three spot in the second. Kody Watanabe, Maddox Molony, and Justin Tsukada each posted two-hit games. Watanabe, Molony, and Elijah Jackson each drove in runs, while Tsukada had the only extra-base hit of the evening on a double roped to left center. Additionally, Bend took advantage of nine walks and three hit batters.

Bend (15-16, 12-15) will get a fresh start as it begins its second-half schedule Friday on the road against the Portland Pickles (21-12, 16-8) at Walker Stadium.