Pippins Hang on For 4-1 Win in Kelowna

KELOWNA, BC – For the first time in four games, the Yakima Valley Pippins didn’t erupt offensively. But behind a solid pitching effort by starter Josh Nashed and three relievers, the Pippins knocked off the Kelowna Falcons, 4-1, Wednesday night at Elks Stadium.

After scoring five runs in the 2^nd inning on Tuesday, the Pippins (5-0) had another productive 2^nd inning Wednesday, getting three runs against Kelowna starter Jaramy Jacobs to go up 3-0. The Falcons (2-3) picked up an unearned run off of Nashed in the 3^rd inning, but the Pippins countered right back with another run in the top of the 4^th to restore the three-run lead.

After that, the pitching staffs for both teams took over. Jacobs settled in and reliever Jayse Bannister was solid over four innings of relief work. Yakima Valley was equally up to the task, in terms of pitching. Nashed lasted 6 innings, giving up 6 hits, 1 unearned run, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts to pick up the win.

Matt Campbell worked a scoreless 7^th inning. In the 8^th, Jordon Gonzalez put two men on with two outs, before former Falcon Wyatt Mills took over and struck out Kelowna’s Josh Egan for the final out of the inning. Mills stayed on in the 9^th and walked two hitters to bring up the tying run with two outs, but got Kelowna’s Ben Gamba to bounce out and picked up his second save of the season.

The win keeps Yakima Valley perfect on the season and gives the squad a second consecutive series win to start the season. The Pippins will go for their second straight sweep Thursday night against the Falcons, with first pitch set for 6:35 pm at Elks Stadium.