Pippins Ride Nine-Run Seventh to Win in Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA – For a while Monday night, it appeared the Pippins would follow up another big win with a frustrating loss. However, behind 12 late runs, the Pippins knocked off the Sweets, 12-8, to take game one of the three-game series.

The Pippins (17-11) turned to lefty Mitch Yada, who struggled early on. After allowing a run in the 2^nd inning, he allowed two more in the 4^th to make it 3-0 Sweets. The Pippins had a good chance to score against Walla Walla starter Jared Zill in the 5^th, loading the bases with one out, but a pair of strikeouts ended the threat. Walla Walla (13-15) scored twice more in the 5^th to make it 5-0.

The Pippins loaded the bases with nobody out in the 6^th, courtesy of a walk and two Walla Walla errors. Jake Manson stepped in and delivered a bases-clearing double to make it 5-3. However, the Pippins gave up another run in the 6^th and trailed 6-3 entering the 7^th.

That’s when things opened up for Yakima Valley. The Pippins sent 14 men to the plate against Sweets’ relievers Cam Richman and Alex Fisher, scoring nine times to take a commanding 12-6 lead. The nine runs were the most the Pippins have scored in an inning over their first two seasons as a franchise.

Despite giving up two runs in the 8^th, the Pippins closed out strong to finish their ninth road win this season in 13 tries. Yakima Valley took advantage of four Walla Walla errors and turned them into eight unearned runs. The Pippins will aim for another road series win Tuesday at 7:05 pm, and will send right-hander Matt Campbell to the mound to make his first start of the summer.