Pippins Notch 30th Win of The Season

YAKIMA, WA - Jack Sandberg (San Diego) delivered the game-winning RBI single during a 2-run 6th inning, putting the Yakima Valley Pippins out in front for good, defeating the Cowlitz Black Bears, 6-3, on Monday night at Yakima County Stadium.

Trailing 1-0 entering the bottom of the 1st, the Pippins (30-19, 15-7) responded quickly for two runs on a 2-out two RBI base hit from Ryan Garcia (UCLA).

After allowing that early run, Jens Jensen (Central Washington) retired 12 straight en route to his ninth career win, the new Yakima Valley franchise record. Jensen pitched six innings allowing three runs, two earned, while striking out four.

Garcia entered from the DH role in relief for two scoreless innings, featuring the help from one of two double plays turned by the Pippins defense on the night. Connor Zwetsch (Oregon) earned his seventh save of the season recording a perfect 9th inning featuring two strikeouts.

Yakima Valley extended their early lead on an RBI sacrifice fly from Christian Koss (UC Irvine), one of two RBI on the night from the team leader (22) in that category. Jace VanDeBrake (Gonzaga) provided a key insurance run in the 8th inning after getting hit-by-pitch to drive in one run, one of five different times the Pippins were hit by pitches in the winning effort. Kyle Stahl (Central Washington) led the Pippins posting three hits and reaching base four times.

By virtue of Gresham’s loss on Monday night, the Yakima Valley Pippins now lead the West Coast League South Division by 1.5 games.

Both teams return to action Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. from Yakima County Stadium as the Pippins search for the series win over Cowlitz. Fans can listen to the action live on 1460 ESPN Yakima, the official home for Pippins Baseball.