Storm Weather Long-Ball Barrage in Yakima Doubleheader
Never Out of It: Chemeketa Rallies Late in 18-Hit Doubleheader
YAKIMA, Wash. — It was a weekend of high-octane offense and defensive tests for the Chemeketa Storm. Traveling to Yakima for a doubleheader, the Storm's bats remained hot, racking up 18 hits across two games. However, they ran into a buzzsaw of home-run power from Yakima Valley and consistent pressure from Treasure Valley, ultimately dropping both contests in high-scoring affairs.
Game 1: A Slugfest in Yakima
Final: Yakima Valley 14, Chemeketa 9
The Storm started the day looking like a force of nature. In the top of the first, Chemeketa displayed elite plate discipline, drawing four consecutive bases-loaded walks to jump out to a 4-0 lead.
However, the lead evaporated as Yakima Valley found their power stroke. The Saints launched four home runs over the middle innings—two each from M. Telles and E. Urlacher—accounting for 10 of their 14 runs. Despite the deficit, the Storm refused to quit. Zoe Moore was a woman on a mission, going a perfect 3-for-3 with 4 RBIs, leading a late-inning charge that saw Chemeketa out-hit Yakima Valley 13 to 11.
Game 2: Power Surges and Consistent Pressure
Final: Treasure Valley 13, Chemeketa 4
In the afternoon cap against Treasure Valley, the Storm looked to capitalize on their power. While the hits were harder to come by, Chemeketa made them count when they found wood. Layni Noonkester and Lanie Deloe both cleared the fences with solo home runs, providing highlight-reel moments for the Storm faithful.
Chemeketa managed to scratch across a run in four consecutive innings (2nd through 5th), showing a steady offensive pulse. However, Treasure Valley's relentless attack, highlighted by a 15-hit performance, proved too much to bridge. Abby Bennett showed true "iron woman" spirit on the rubber, throwing all six innings and battling through a heavy-hitting Chukar lineup.
Stat Sheet Standouts
The box scores reflect a team that is finding its identity at the plate, even when the results on the scoreboard don't go their way.
| Player | Combined Weekend Stats | Impact |
| Zoe Moore | 3 Hits, 4 RBI, 1 Walk | The offensive anchor in Game 1. |
| Layni Noonkester | 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 HR | Provided the power and consistent scoring threat. |
| Lanie Deloe | 1 HR, 1 RBI | Contributed on both sides of the ball. |
| Kaylee Caraphina | 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 Walks | Set the table at the top of the lineup. |
The Takeaway
While a 0-2 trip is never the goal, the Storm showed they can hang with anyone offensively. Scoring 13 runs against tough competition proves the lineup is deep. The focus moving forward will likely be on stabilizing the pitching circle and defensive rotations to keep those opposing home runs off the board.
Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio