Seven runs in the final two innings allowed Cowlitz to pull away from a tight game with Bend as the Elks fell to the Black Bears 9-3 in West Coast League baseball action on Friday in front of 1,117 fans at overcast Vince Genna Stadium.
The Elks (9-12) knotted the score at 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh when Logan Frandsen scored an unearned run, but the Black Bears (8-12) plated three unearned runs and four earned in the final two innings to take a commanding 9-2 lead. Bend’s Shawn O’Brien scored from third base on a Jordan Copeland single in the bottom of the ninth inning for the final margin.
Cowlitz reliever Taylor Williams picked up the victory on the mound, while Daniel Chavez suffered the loss in relief for Bend. Elks starter Darin Gillies threw seven innings and struck out seven.
Will Sparks led Bend at the plate with a three for four performance and one RBI. Steven Halcomb and O’Brien each had a double.
The Elks return to action tonight when they conclude their two-game series with Cowlitz in Bend. First pitch is slated for 6:35 at Genna Stadium.
— Bulletin staff report
