The Hermiston Bulldogs are taking a road trip to take on the Chiawana Riverhawks at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Hermiston has given up an average of 7.1 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Things were looking good for Hermiston after they put the first runs on the board on Friday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They lost 24-18 to Kennewick. That's two games in a row now that the Bulldogs have lost by exactly six runs.
Kenley Venoy stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she went 3-for-5 with five RBI, one run, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Alexis Sinor, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, Chiawana made easy work of Pasco on Tuesday and carried off a 15-2 victory. The Riverhawks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matchups by seven runs or more this season.
Amelia Smith was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in doubles (two).
In other batting news, Avigail Rojas was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with one home run and four RBI. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Chase Wirt was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Chiawana kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
The win made it two in a row for Chiawana and bumps their season record up to 9-4. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.5 runs over those games. As for Hermiston, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-6 record this season.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Friday. Hermiston hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.5 home runs per game. However, it's not like Chiawana struggles in that department as they've been averaging 0.5 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.
Hermiston might still be hurting after the 17-2 defeat they got from Chiawana in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Bulldogs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
