Rainier took care of business when needed and won a crucial, 9-0 victory over Winlock in seven innings at the Recreational Athletic Complex in Lacey on Monday.
The victory secures a three-way tie for the Mountaineers with Morton-White Pass and Wahkiakum for the final spot in the 2B District IV tournament. The tiebreaker games start at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Adna. There will be a coin flip fore a bye at Cee Gee’s Truck Stop on Tuesday morning.
Against Winlock on Monday, the Mountaineers were buoyed by a four-run second inning, which helped them pull away early.
Conner Mounts led Rainier’s offense, going 3 for 4, while Jake Meldrum was 2 for 3 with a walk, John Kenney went 1 for 3 with a double and two walks and Johnny Boesch was 2 for 4.
Hunter Howell tossed the first two scoreless innings for Rainier, striking out two with one hit and one walk. Ryder Cruse tossed five innings of scoreless relief, allowing three hits and five walks with six Ks.
Winlock’s offense was led by Aiden Eitel and Mekhi Morlin going 1 for 3. Carter Svenson made his debut on the mound, throwing four innings while giving up five earned runs on three walks and seven hits with one K. Kyrin Meehan tossed three innings of relief, allowing two earned runs on two hits and two walks with three Ks.
