Richland wins Double-Header vs eKu - By Peyton Gonzalez

    April 19th, 2024, the doubleheader against Kennewick Lions, the bombers went into the second game ready. Richland won the first game 12-2; the girls went in with a great mindset in this double-header. They kept a strong mental game after the first game. They went in even stronger the following game; RHS won their second game 16-0, and they had an amazing start to their game. Sophia Sams got four hits in four at-bats; she also hit a solo home run in the third inning, doubled in the first inning, and singled in the fourth and fifth innings. After Sophia doubled in the first inning, Adelyn Etzel singled, and they each scored one run for the bombers. Some other girls that also got the team more points on the board were Scarlett Hudon, who was able to walk and scored one run for the ladies; Payton Chacon, who singled and scored two runs; and Jordan Brannon, who singled and scored two runs. These ladies really pulled out this game, keeping going strong and continuing where they started off in the last game.

Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_ )

    I got a chance to speak with one of the girls about what happened when the ladies went up against the lions at the jamboree so they could tell me what they were looking at going into this game. Maleea Robinson mentioned, "We played a lot of good teams at the jamboree, but when they went up against the lions, we won the first game with no problem. But when we went onto the second game at the jamboree, we had a really close game with the lions." The team went into the game putting their all into fighting against the Lions. They have come a long way since the beginning of their season. So this game can be way different than it was at the beginning of the season when they played at the Jamboree. When the Bombers started and knew they were taking the Lions all the way home, I talked to some of the players to get a layout of their thoughts during the second game, especially after playing the first game. First, I started by talking to Sophia Sams, one of the pitchers who went in during the second game. I asked what it was like going into the next game and what focus they needed to continue going into the next game. She told me, "Keep the same energy and adjust to the pitcher in our at-bats." Payton Chacon also said, "Focusing on staying up throughout the game and staying loud in the dugout." Having that number of points on the lions throughout the game and keeping that same energy is so important for the ladies, especially since they are like family. Them keeping each other hyped up is something that's so strong being a part of their team.

Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_ )

    On Kennewick's side, number 10 started pitching, but she gave up 15 hits and 12 runs. Over those five innings, she only struck out one and walked three. Sams stepped up to pitch to the Kennewick girls; she gave up one hit and zero runs over four innings, striking out four and walking none. RHS also had 16 collected hits during the game; their top hitters were Adelyn Etzel, Haylee Spaeth, and Jordan Brannon. These girls really showed up for this game, and the Bombers had a great game. I asked a couple more girls what their highlights of the game were behind their eyes; Brooklyn Boyce told me, "This was one of our highest-hitting games; everybody did their part in the lineup." The ladies all mostly told me it was just a great hitting game for them. They stayed calm and worked collectively.

    Finally, to conclude this game, the Bombers put up a great fight, taking it all the way 16-0; this game, being one of their best hitting games, can be a big accomplishment for them. It also shows the teamwork and effort they put into the game together; they still have a couple more games left in their season. They are gonna continue playing many more amazing games as the ladies take in these last moments with each other in this season. The way they are looking and playing, they will definitely have a state right down the road.