Storm Warning: Chemeketa Dominates Vikings in Five-Inning Rout

Yakima, Wash. – The Chemeketa Storm didn't just play ball on Friday night; they made a statement. Under the lights at the Gateway Sports Complex, the Storm unleashed an offensive barrage that left the Big Bend Vikings reeling, securing a commanding 10-2 victory in a game shortened to five innings by the run rule.

From the first pitch, Chemeketa established a rhythm that Big Bend simply couldn't disrupt. While the Vikings struggled to find their footing, the Storm's lineup operated like a well-oiled machine, racking up 12 hits and never looking back.

The Storm Surge

The damage began early. In the bottom of the first, Kylie Carapinha set the tone with a lead-off double, later crossing the plate on an Ava Woods line drive. Before the Vikings could catch their breath, pitcher Laney DeLoe helped her own cause, dropping a fly ball into left field to drive in two more, jumping Chemeketa out to a 3-0 lead.

The second inning was more of the same, but with more fireworks. After Grace Walls scored on another Woods single, Layni Noonkester delivered the highlight of the night. Noonkester turned on a pitch and sent a towering three-run blast over the center-field wall, extending the lead to 7-1 and effectively silencing the Big Bend dugout.

DeLoe Deals in the Circle

While the bats provided the thunder, Laney De Loe provided the lightning on the rubber. De Loe was masterful over five innings, surrendering only one earned run and scattering five hits. She kept the Vikings off-balance all night, racking up seven strikeouts and showing veteran poise whenever Big Bend threatened to mount a comeback.

Closing the Door

Chemeketa put the finishing touches on the victory in the bottom of the fifth. Meagan Trissel and De Loe both reached base before Grace Walls scorched a grounder to left, driving in two. Finally, Hadlee Nicholson played situational baseball perfectly, lofting a sacrifice fly to center field that allowed Melinda Herrejon to tag up and score the game-ending 10th run.

Key Performances

• Layni Noonkester: 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs

• Ava Woods: 3-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 Run

• Laney DeLoe: 5.0 IP, 7 SO, W (1-0); 2-for-3, 2 RBI at the plate

• Grace Walls: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, 1 Run

The Storm will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their 2026 campaign, proving that at Gateway Sports Complex, the forecast always calls for a heavy dose of Chemeketa offense.

Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio     Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio