Seven Strong Innings from Mason Wells Lead Pippins to Third Straight Win

Behind another strong start from Mason Wells and just enough offense, the Pippins were able to extend their winning streak to three games by beating the Bend Elks 4-2 on Saturday.

For the second straight night, the Elks got on the board first. In the third inning, Tristen Alvarez hit a one out double. It was immediately followed by another double by Collin Runge, scoring Alvarez from second. Runge would later steal third and score on a groundout from Alex Pallios.

The Pippins would get one run back in the bottom half of the inning. After two quick outs, Cody Jefferis lined a single into left field. Elijah Greene would quickly follow with a double to that one hopped the wall in right-center field, scoring Jefferis from first.

The Pippins would grab the lead back in the Sean Mullen and Chris Arpan lead off the inning with a single and double. With runners on second and third with no one out Tyler Hollow and Victor Cerny would each hit groundballs to second driving in two runs to give the Pippins a 3-2 lead. They would not relinquish that lead.

Mason Wells was tabbed for the start for the Pippins and he was dominant. Wells went seven innings allowing just two runs on five hits with six strikeouts and no walks. On the other side of the diamond, RJ Robles pitched nearly as good for the Elks. Robles pitched seven innings giving up three runs on five hits.

Still holding a 3-2 lead in the eighth, the Pippins would play add on with an RBI single from Sean Mullen, scoring Greene from second. That extra run would prove important in the ninth inning.

Pippins closer Connor White came in in the ninth inning to try and shut the door. After a single and a walk, it was runners at first and second with no one out. Gunnar Togia would follow and try to move the runners to second and third. After two foul bunts, Togia lined a ball to right field that was destined for the grass, newly inserted Jonathan Imperial sprinted over to make a diving catch that saved at least one run and resulted in a double play as Tucker Rhode was off the bag at second. White would strike out Michael Warkentin for the final out of the game and sealing the Pippins third straight win.

With the win, the Pippins moved to 5-3 on the season while the Elks dropped to 2-6. The final game of the series is on Sunday with first pitch at 6:05.

By Kevin Vallene

June 9, 2018