Winning always feels good

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Cowlitz Black Bears

- Kevin Williams could not have said it better last night in his postgame interview.  The shortstop had two hits and when asked afterwards if it felt good to win he absolutely agreed.  His two hits were a key part of the Sweets 7-1 victory and it appears he is beginning to break out of the slump that has engulfed him to start the season.
- Chance Kopacz also did something last night that you don't see very often.  Battling back from a bruised left forearm, Kopacz had four hits.  His first three hits all came on the first pitch of his at-bat before he took a first-pitch ball in his fourth at-bat.
- The Sweets collected five extra-base hits last night and just seemed locked in throughout.  Austin Heaps doubled twice, Andrew Mendenhall and Williams each tripled and James Campbell also doubled.
- Pitching-wise, Walla Walla got their third-straight solid start.  Tim Culligan allowed just one run over seven innings on Tuesday, Trent Allianic allowed two runs on three hits over eight innings Thursday and Daniel Jewett allowed a run over six innings last night. 
- We mentioned it last night about getting closer and closer to putting it together and last night's game only furthered that judgement.  The Sweets made just one error, got solid pitching and collected several timely hits.
- One concerning stat is that the Sweets have given up a run in the first inning in each of their last four games.  Getting behind early is never a good thing.
- Tonight is the final home game for the Sweets before hitting the road for nine straight.  A victory would be a huge uplifter to start the road trip that will see them face East Division-leading Wenatchee, Bellingham, a team the Sweets are battling for 2nd place, and the Kitsap Bluejackets.
- It is also Armed Forces Night at the ballpark and the fans in attendance will be treated to a postgame fireworks show. 
- Speaking of fans, there is expected to be close to a sellout tonight.  With temps hovering around 90 degrees, the fans of Walla Walla have two reasons why a baseball game is a good idea!
- As for Cowlitz, the Black Bears had their eight-game win streak snapped last night and are trying to get back on the horse tonight.
-Their starter, Jeff Gold, has faced the Sweets once this season and it accounted for his only loss.  He gave up four runs on six hits over four innings as W2 won 9-3.
- Brent Graham leads the Black Bears against the Sweets, hitting .313 (5-16) with a .450 OBP.  Billy Flamion has scored five runs and driven in five against W2.