COVINGTON COUNTY, Ala. - After a strong start to the Babe Ruth 16-18 World Series the Columbia Basin River Dogs face a must-win game today against Gulf Coast, Ala.

The River Dogs lost back-to-back 1-run ball games to the New England Regional Champion Cape Cod, Mass. and the Southwest Regional Champion Mid County, Texas on Friday and Sunday.

"Our pitching is competing," head coach Randy Boruff said. "We're competing really well. We've lost 1-0, 2-1... lack of hitting."

Hector Zavala started for the River Dogs against Cape Cod and gave up three hits while striking out four batters. The game was scoreless until Cape Cod was able to push a run across in the bottom of the fifth.

The loss dropped the River Dogs to 1-1 in pool play.

Mid County handed the River Dogs their second consecutive loss of the tournament 2-1 in nine innings. The team could only muster two hits against Mid County and now must win their final game of pool play for a chance to advance to the elimination round.

The River Dogs were able to get ahead early Sunday after scoring in the top of the first, but eventually let their lead slip away when Mid County scored an unearned run in the sixth. Mid County was able to complete their comeback with a run in the bottom of the ninth.

Boruff credits the talent at the World Series for why his team's offense has stalled.

"We're seeing really good pitching," he said. "We're seeing guys who throw 87 to 90 (mph) with hard sliders."

Boruff may make some adjustments for today's game, but admits that his team's offense isn't the strongest.

"We're just not a very good hitting team," he said. "We're a very good defensive team with good pitching and that usually keeps you in ball games."

Cameron Walker is set to start for the River Dogs today.