MOSES LAKE — An improved defensive effort wasn’t enough against Kennewick as Central Washington’s losing streak was pushed to five games.

Just a day removed from allowing 26 runs in two games on the road against the Outlaws, the Spuds cut that number to seven but couldn’t manage a win.

The Spuds lost 5-3 in Game 1 and lost a tight 2-1 contest in Game 2. The losses dropped Central Washington to 2-10 in league play.

In the opener, Kennewick held a 3-2 advantage after four innings and tacked on two more runs in the seventh. Central Washington plated one run in the final inning, but the rally fell short.

Tyson Yamane had two hits, Cade Tunstall drove in one run and Brandon Swett walked three times.

Tunstall allowed three runs in six innings on the mound, striking out two. Andrew Townsend pitched a complete game for Kennewick.

Kennewick’s two-run third inning was the difference in Game 2.

The Spuds scattered two hits and scored once in the sixth inning. Yamane had one hit.

Trent Sellers struck out eight batters in six innings for the Outlaws.

Central Washington begins play at the Palouse Summer Series Tournament today.