WALLA WALLA, Wash. — The Bend Elks fell to the Walla Walla Sweets 8-7 on Friday night as Bend’s bullpen collapsed for the second consecutive game.

The Elks (1-2) led 7-3 going into the bottom of the eighth inning of the West Coast League contest, but the Sweets (2-1) scored five runs in the final two innings to pull off the comeback victory in front of their home fans.

Bend starter Kevin Hamann gave up three runs — only two were earned — off two hits before departing after the fifth inning with a 7-3 lead. The Elks struggled on the mound after Hamann left, though, as three Bend relievers gave up five runs over the next three frames. Xavier Borde took the loss after allowing two runs off two hits and a walk in one-third of an inning.

Outfielder Anthony Villa paced the Elks at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one RBI. Catcher Tyler Servais was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs and first baseman Derek Dixon went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and his second home run of the season.

The Elks continue their road trip with the first of three games at Kelowna, British Columbia, today.

— Bulletin staff report