EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers softball team lost to Wenatchee 6-5 in a tight game Tuesday. Ephrata was up 5-3 going into the bottom of the seventh, but Wenatchee was able to score three runs on two hits and a walkoff home run.  

“The girl just got hold of a pitch and just put it out,” said Tigers head coach Heather Wood. “They had two singles that put the two runners on and then the girl just took a pitch and drove it to right field.” 

Despite the loss the Tigers played a great game, Wood said, and remain eager to push forward and get more experience as they continue through their preseason.  

“The last three games we’ve taken those little bits and pieces,”  Wood said. “I’ve got some kids in new spots that don’t have a lot of varsity experience right now, so you know every game they’re learning little by little.” 

Alexa Durfee started the game for Ephrata and pitched well, Wood said. Durfee allowed 12 hits and 6 runs over six and one-third innings, with no walks and four strikeouts.  

Jaemyson Durfee collected three hits in four at-bats with a home run to center field in the first inning and singles in the third and fifth innings. With her homer scoring two, a double from Dakota Durfee and a single from Jaeda Gonzalez, the Tigers were able to get the lead early in the game, Wood said.  

Ephrata had 10 hits in the game with Jaeda Gonzalez and Kaylynn Spencer each collecting multiple hits. The Tigers didn’t commit any errors.  

“We hit the ball well; we had 10 hits in the game,” Wood said. “We just have a couple more things on fielding that we need to work on.” 

In preparation for future games the team is working on getting more practice time. Wood said they will be working on getting situational training behind the team and hitting fundamentals. 

“We’re just working on some cuts, some relays, we’re working on contact with the ball and situations that could come up in the game,” Wood said. 

The team will be preparing to host a tournament against both Kennewick and Orting on Saturday.