WALLA WALLA — In a doubleheader with serious playoff implications, Big Bend was swept on the road by Walla Walla.

Big Bend’s early 1-0 lead in the opener evaporated quick as Walla Walla scored 11 unanswered runs, winning 11-1 in seven innings. The Warrior’s four-run first inning in the second game was the difference. The Vikings scattered four hits in the 4-0 defeat.

With the two losses, Big Bend (12-14, 23-15) was jumped by Walla Walla and Spokane in the NWAC East standings. Walla Walla and Spokane both sport a 13-13 record in the region, tying for the fourth and final playoff berth.

Justin DeHoog drove in Big Bend’s lone run in the first game. After Blake Springer walked and Josh Kallstrom doubled, DeHoog delivered a RBI single.

However, the lead wouldn’t stand up as Walla Walla plated four runs in the home half of the first inning. Steven Sordahl and Josh Kutze homered for the Warriors.

Kutze’s homer was a three-run bomb in the first.

A poor first inning doomed Big Bend in the nightcap.

Tyler Winkler gave up four runs to start the game before settling down to pitch three scoreless innings. Kutze hit a two-run single with the bases loaded and Garrett March followed with a RBI single to put Walla Walla ahead for good.

Winkler’s counterpart on the bump, former Columbia Basin River Dogs standout Cameron Walker, pitched eight scoreless innings and allowed four hits.

Auggie Francis and Sam Glowick had two hits each against Walker.

Big Bend finishes its regular season at home Saturday against Blue Mountain. Despite dropping to sixth place, the Vikings are still in a good position to make the playoffs.

Blue Mountain is at the bottom of the region, while Walla Walla plays first-place Yakima Valley and Spokane faces second-place Treasure Valley.

Big Bend softball splits with Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend split a pair of games with Columbia Basin.

The Vikings edged the Hawks in the opener 4-3 before losing the next game 11-3.

Big Bend (8-22, 9-27) hosts Treasure Valley Friday in its season finale. Game 1 is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.