Extra inning Elks survive Sweets in battle at Borleske
Vinnie Salvione’s sensational shortstop play and outstanding offense were critical in the Elks win.
Walla Walla, WA - Down to its final breath, Bend gasped for life and survived the extra inning thriller at Walla Walla 8-7 to clinch the season series over the Sweets.
With the game tied in the bottom of the 10th, Parker Grant (1-0) came out of bullpen and inherited a bases loaded situation.
The third year Elk had ice in his veins, inducing the double play ball that prevented the Walla Walla (5-12, 5-12) winning run from scoring, giving Bend (10-8, 10-8) a second chance in extras.
The Elks made the most of their additional opportunity, scoring not but two runs ahead on a Josh Wakefield sacrifice fly plus an error off a Brian Duroff firm line drive.
The Sweets got one back in bottom of the 11th but then Bend brought in the X factor.
Xavier Richards, just like in game one, closed the door once more with a double play ball and the game ending strikeout to secure the Elks third extra-innings win through the young summer.
Through regulation the game saw four different lead changes in the back and forth battle.
Bend struck with two runs in the first on a Vinny Salvione RBI single and Alejandro Cazorla sacrifice fly only for Walla Walla to match with a pair of runs of their own in the second.
Isaiah Burke put the Elks back on top with a solo blast over the sign in the left field corner in the fourth.
But the Sweets snatched the lead right back in the bottom of the frame on a two out two-run double by Andrew Graham.
However, the Elks took the upper hand in the rubber match one more on a two out two-run double counterpunch by Luke Reece.
Although Walla Walla would pull pack ahead in the seventh, Bend’s won’t die mindset helped bring home the tying run from Luke Reece thanks to an error in centerfield to set the stage for the extra inning drama.
22 total players saw action on Thursday marking the most collective team win yet by the Elks this season.
Bend will look keep the comrardy coming back Vince Genna Stadium in the series against the Ridgefield Raptors. First pitch is set for Friday at 6:35 p.m. Get your tickets now!
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