PENDLETON — Pendleton put its bats on the ball Friday against Hood River Valley, but could not get timely hitting as the Bucks fell to the Eagles 7-2 at Bob White Field.
“We played another quality opponent,” Pendleton coach Justin Speer said. “We let some opportunities get away from us and that was the difference maker.”
The Bucks (1-3) took an early lead with two runs in the bottom of the second inning. Kreg Krol scored on a wild pitch, and Grayson English came across on a single by Tugg McQuinn, but that would be it for Pendleton.
Hood River scored three in the top of the third to take the lead for good, then added three more runs in the fifth, and one in the sixth for good measure.
The Bucks had the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, but a strikeout by Eli Smidt ended the game.”
English finished the day 3-for-3 with a double and one run scored, while Colin Harrington went 2-for-4, and Krol 2-for-4.
The Bucks out-hit the Eagles 12-6, but left 12 men stranded on base.
McQuinn pitched four solid innings for the Bucks, allowing three runs on four hits with four strikeouts.
“Tugg gave us a great outing,” Speer said. “We just struggled to pick him up and come up with the big hit at the right time. Grayson had a big day for us with three hits.”
Kingston McAdam led the Eagles (2-0), going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, while Trevor Jacobs drove in two runs.
Pendleton will play in the Coach Bob Invitational, March 23-25, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Bucks are scheduled to play four games.
“I’m looking forward to us continuing to grow and get better as we head to Arizona tomorrow,” Speer said. “We should see more competitive competition down there.”
Umatilla takes care of Pilot Rock
UMATILLA 5, PILOT ROCK 2 — David Garcia, Carter Griggs and Brian Younger-Morris all hit RBI doubles to lead Umatilla to a 5-2 win Friday over Pilot Rock.
Umatilla scored twice in the bottom of the first and second innings, then added a run in the bottom of the sixth for good measure.
Griggs and Bryce Morris combined for 10 strikeouts and walked none as the Vikings improved to 2-0.
Deacon Gourlie led the Rockets (1-2), going 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, while Carter VanHouten went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, and Gage Williams hit a double. Williams, who pitched five innings with eight strikeouts, took the loss for the Rockets.
