Raiders sweep Billygoats

Raider pitchers gave up only six runs in a three-game sweep of the Pateros Billygoats last week, while Raider bats inflicted 39 runs on the Billygoat defense.

The wins improved Lake Roosevelt’s win-loss record to 9-1 overall, 5-1 in league play.

Brady Black pitched two of his best games yet against the Billygoats. In the first game last Tuesday at Pateros, Black racked up nine strikeouts while giving up only one hit and zero earned runs. Black pitched the second game on Friday at Greene Field, where he again dominated the mound, striking out seven batters and giving up two hits for another shutout of the Billygoats.

It was in the third game of the series when the Billygoats finally scored all six of their runs.

On the mound for the Raiders in that third game on Friday was Justus DeWinkler, who struck out 13 Billygoats while giving up four earned runs on eight hits.

The solid pitching was backed up by an explosive Raider offense and an improved defense.

"I think our pitching rotation is coming together, and the boys are getting better as a defensive unit each week," commented Raider Head Coach Brandon Byers.

At the plate on Tuesday, De Winkler, Kramer Carlson and Black led the Raiders. DeWinkler went three for four with a double, four runs, and two runs batted in. Carlson also hit three for four with three runs. Black backed up his pitching by going two for two at the plate to score two runs and an RBI.

Friday's doubleheader found Raider bats still hot with Lee Williams, Carlson, and Black stoking the fire. Williams hit four singles to drive in four runs while he scored three more himself.

Carlson almost hit for the cycle on Friday as he swung for a triple, two doubles, and two singles for three RBIs while scoring five more himself. Black drove in two runs and scored three more.

Byers was happy that the younger players were able to get in playing time last week in the sweep. The Raiders come into this week with some injuries, and those younger players may be called on.

The Raiders play Liberty Bell this week, starting last night at Greene Field and continuing with a doubleheader at Liberty Bell on Saturday at 11 a.m.

"Liberty Bell is a very good team that is returning most of their team from last year,” Byers said, “so we will have to play good baseball offensively and defensively to produce the wins we want." This week’s series is a big one, as Liberty Bell is one of the teams to beat this year in the Central Washington 2B North.

Game 1: LR 14- Pateros 0

Game 2: LR 10- Pateros 0

Game 3: LR 15- Pateros 6