WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Solid pitching and a couple of timely two-out hits were a recipe for success Wednesday night for the Bend Elks, who opened their 2013 season with a 4-1 West Coast League baseball victory over the Walla Walla Sweets.

Starter Taylor Elman, a right-hander from Creighton University, struck out eight batters over five innings to earn the victory for Bend. Elman and relievers Collin Nilson, Justin Huckins and Michael Jordan combined on a five-hitter.

Derek Dixon had two of the Elks’ eight hits, including a two-out, two-run single in the second inning for a 2-0 Bend lead. Walla Walla scored its only run in the third inning, and the Elks nursed a 2-1 lead into the ninth. That’s when Justin Bohn delivered the second clutch hit of the game for Bend, a two-out, two-run triple for a 4-1 Elks lead. Bohn also finished with two hits.

Jordan was credited with a save for his scoreless inning of relief. He was helped by a double play and finished the game with a strikeout.

The Elks won the game despite striking out 12 times.

The Elks (1-0) and Sweets (0-1) resume their three-game series tonight at Borleske Stadium; first pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

Bend opens the season with three games at Walla Walla and three more at Kelowna, British Columbia, before playing its home opener next Wednesday night against the Cowlitz (Wash.) Black Bears at Vince Genna Stadium.