Mercer Island Couldn't Compete with Richland Bombers - By Macie Milum

The Richland Bombers and out-of-towners, Mercer Island Islanders, meet up to play each other in their second game of the day, having already played Gig Harbor Tides early. It came down to the wire when the Bombers grabbed the victory in a walk-off fashion, 2-1. The game was tied 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh when Rayce Reeves from the Bombers hit a single, bringing in a run. Both teams were strong from the mound; the Islanders struck out for three, but the Bombers for Four. Mercer scored its first run in the top of the third, thanks to Neal Baron. I got a chance to speak with Baron after the game, asking him what the team plans to work on further their season, and he shared, “ We need a lot more energy; it was flat. We had a four-hour bus ride (from Mercer Island to Richland), but that's no excuse, we just need more energy if we want to win”. After Barons run, Reeves from the Bombers hit a fly ball that helped the Bombers tie the game in the bottom of the fifth. Richlands Dallas Benette was the starting pitcher for the game. I talked with Bennette before asking him how he felt going into today's game. He responded, “ It’ll be a tough game. We as a team will have to play at our best, but I am confident in our guys and how we play together”. Bennett ended with three strikeouts and zero walks.

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On the other side, starting pitcher Jack Buchan for the Islanders allowed one hit and one run over his four and-one-third innings, striking out two and walking five. Braylon Edwards also contributed to the mound for the Bombers, throwing one inning, giving up zero hits, striking out one, and walking one. Chris Daniels paced the Bombers with two walks as well. I talked to Daniels about his overall thoughts and feelings on the game, and he had some words to say, “The game started out really slow. Our last game against Gig was pretty slow, and I felt like we did not do a good job of being dialed in. We kept that same energy into this game, which did not help us. We had a tough start, but we also made it challenging for them. As a team, we had six walks, which kept us fit in the game. Our energy went up as the game progressed, which helped us squeeze the win."

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Overall, we found a way to win, and that’s all that matters. We have a quick turnaround with Kennewick on Tuesday, and we hope just to play relaxed and not worry about this game”. The game was tight, and the Bombers didn't find a lead until the final play, thanks to Reeves, who batted in from the number 9 spot in the lineup. The outfielder went 1-for-2 on the game. I spoke to Reeves after asking him how it felt to get the hit that won the game, and he shared, “ It felt good, just happy to be put into a position to help the team win.” It was a close game and was intense the whole time, with only putting points on the board in the third and fifth, and Richland coming in clutch at the very end for the win. Both teams will continue their season and build as they meet other opponents.

Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalmedia_ )