The Bend Elks moved within a game of the Corvallis Knights, the current leaders of the West Coast League South Division, by rallying for a 9-6 victory Wednesday night over the Cowlitz Black Bears at Bend’s Vince Genna Stadium.

Trailing 6-5 entering the bottom of the eighth inning, the Elks (27-17 WCL) exploded for four runs after Keach Ballard hit a three-run home run and Curtis Wildung drew a bases loaded walk.

Bend reliever Tanner Ring pitched a clean ninth to earn the save, and the Elks evened their three-game series against the Black Bears at 1-1.

Ballard had a monster night at the plate for Bend, ending the game 3-for-5 with five RBIs, two home runs and three runs scored. Turner Gill was 1-for-3 with a solo homer, and leadoff hitter Zach Close recorded a 2-for-5 performance that included two runs scored.

David Murillo earned the win in relief for the Elks, striking out two in one inning of work. Starter Taylor Elman went five innings, fanning three against one walk and five hits while allowing five runs.

Bend and Cowlitz conclude their three-game series at Genna Stadium today at 6:35 p.m.

—Bulletin staff report