MOSES LAKE — Last weekend, Central Washington Sixers 14U baseball competed in the Moses Lake Meltdown tournament. Despite falling short in the championship game, head coach Rey Lopez said his players played some of their best baseball all summer.  

“We lost the championship game, but it was probably one of our best games of the season,” he said. “Overall, I was really pleased with everyone's performance. You know, they didn't give up. They played really hard ... the boys improved individually, and it showed; they played with heart.” 

The Sixers opened their Saturday slate against Methow Valley 14U and came out swinging in the top of the first inning. They scored seven runs to take a commanding lead over Methow Valley. Carson Valdez opened the bottom of the first at pitcher; he allowed zero earned runs and struck out two batters before getting the Sixers back on offense.  

In the top of the second inning, the Sixers seized the opportunity to build on their offensive success from the first inning. They topped themselves by scoring eight runs against Methow Valley. Heading into the bottom of the second, they led 15-0. Krue Judkins took over the pitching duties. He allowed zero earned runs and struck out one batter. They held Methow Valley scoreless once again, and the game ended after two innings.  

“That set the momentum for us in this tournament. It definitely showed in game two, game three, and it showed in our final championship game,” Lopez said.  

In their second game, the Sixers played Kitsap County Rebels 14U. In the bottom of the first inning, the Sixers jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Cade Chlarson would help hold the Rebels scoreless in the first two innings before the Sixers took over on offense in the bottom of the second.  

The Sixers erupted offensively for 16 runs and increased their lead to 19-0. Chlarson and Cannon Delong held the Rebels to just one run for a 19-1 victory. Drake Hansen and Trevor Dietrich went three-for-three at bat for the Sixers. Hansen recorded three RBIs while Dietrich drove in two. Chlarson and Joaquin Hernandez also recorded two RBIs for their team.  

After performing so well that both of their Saturday games were cut short, the Sixers moved on to Sunday competition more rested than they anticipated.  

“When we put runs in like that, it gives us an opportunity to set the momentum,” Lopez said. “And it gives us not only the rest period, but it gets us mentally focused, and to be able to show that we’re on a roll, and we are the team to beat.”  

Lopez said getting that momentum early in the tournament helps them relax and set the tone for Sunday competition.  

On Sunday, the Sixers played the Ellensburg Haymakers 14U in the semi-final game. After both teams went scoreless in the first inning, the Haymakers scored one run first in the top of the second. The Sixers responded in the bottom of the second with two runs and took a 2-1 lead.  

Beau Fricke held the Haymakers scoreless in the top of the third inning. The Sixers continued to build their momentum by scoring three runs and increasing their lead to 5-1. Fricke continued his pitching efforts in the top of the fourth and held the Haymakers scoreless once again. The Sixers put the final nail in the coffin in the bottom of the fourth with five more runs. The Haymakers remained scoreless in the top of the fifth, and the Sixers secured a 10-1 win.  

With their win, they advanced to the championship game of the Moses Lake Meltdown to play 14U Prospect United. According to Lopez, the Sixers played their best game of the season against United.  

“They showed 100% effort, and they just didn't give up, and they battled to the end,” he said.  

The Sixers held a 3-2 lead until the fourth inning. In the top of the fourth, United scored five runs and took a 7-3 lead over the Sixers. However, they would respond with two runs and cut the score to 7-5.  

After two scoreless innings by both teams, the Sixers had one more opportunity to make a comeback. Though they fought hard, the Sixers were only able to score one run before United secured a 7-6 win, Lopez said.  

Despite the loss, Lopez was proud of what he saw from his players throughout the tournament. He said they showed the growth they had been working toward all season. According to Lopez, the most important goal they share is player development.  

“It's not about wins or losses, but it's about going out there and developing these kids to become great baseball players, not only on the field, but off the field,” Lopez said.  

Next weekend, the Sixers are set to compete in the Bullpen Series Season Finale tournament in Ellensburg. The games will span all weekend, with their first game starting at 10 a.m. Saturday against the Tri-Cities Warriors.  

“I truly believe that we have the momentum going into next weekend,” Lopez said. “We're going to prepare, we're going to plan and set the tone at our practices this week, and we're going to go out there and do our best. I'm looking forward to playing next weekend and closing out the season with some wins.” 

    Central Washington Sixers Beau Fricke pitches in a tournament earlier this season. Fricke pitched all five innings against the Ellensburg Haymakers; he allowed no earned runs and struck out four batters.
  

    The Central Washington Sixers 14U baseball team breaks its pregame huddle in a tournament earlier this season. The Sixers were defeated by 14U Prospect United in the Moses Lake Meltdown championship game 7-6.
  

    Sixers Cannon Delong slides into home plate in a previous game this season. Delong recorded a hit batter against the Ellensburg Haymakers. The Sixers won 10-1 to advance to the championship game in the Moses Lake Meltdown.
  

    Sixers Cade Chlarson is greeted at third base by head coach Rey Lopez. Lopez called Chlarson a bulldog that steps up to any challenge and welcomes the pressure.