Wenatchee is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Moses Lake is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Panthers will host the Mavericks at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Wenatchee is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, Wenatchee needed a bit of extra time to put away Eisenhower. They won by a run and slipped past the Cadets 8-7.
Adamarie Iniguez was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 13 batters over eight innings while giving up six earned (and one unearned) runs off 16 hits. Iniguez was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Haylee Merz, who scored three runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-2. Another player making a difference was Makinley Cardona, who scored a run while getting on base in four of her six plate appearances.
Wenatchee kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits in three consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, after some red-hot attacks at the plate in their last four games, Moses Lake finally came back down to earth last Tuesday. They fell 5-2 to Jackson. The Mavericks' loss signaled the end of their four-game winning streak.
Paige Richardson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up six Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Hayden Morris made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored a run while going 3-for-4. She has been hot recently, having posted three or more hits the last three times she's played.
Moses Lake's defeat dropped their record down to 5-3. As for Wenatchee, their win bumped their record up to 8-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Wenatchee has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Moses Lake struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Wenatchee couldn't quite finish off Moses Lake in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 and fell 11-9. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
