Coastal Explosion: Storm Bats Set Grays Harbor Ablaze in Doubleheader Sweep

ABERDEEN, Wash. — If there were any lingering effects from the long bus ride to the coast, the Chemeketa Storm didn't show them. In a clinical display of offensive firepower, the Storm dismantled Grays Harbor on Saturday, racking up 29 runs and 36 hits across two run-rule victories.

From the first pitch at Dick Tagman Field, it was clear that Chemeketa's "Bash Sisters" had made the trip. The Storm combined for seven home runs on the day, highlighted by a historic performance from Zoe Moore, who appears to be playing a different game than everyone else right now.

Game 1: The Hit Parade

Final: Chemeketa 14, Grays Harbor 4 (6 Innings)

Chemeketa wasted no time in the opener, plating four runs in the first inning to set the tone. Layni Noonkester and Jazmin Gallegos both left the yard in the fourth inning to push the lead to 8-2, effectively putting the game out of reach.

The story of Game 1, however, was the relentless contact throughout the lineup. Every single starter recorded at least one hit, with Noonkester leading the charge with a 4-for-5 performance. On the circle, Addison Bennett was the model of efficiency, throwing a staggering 78% of her pitches for strikes (51-of-65) to earn the complete-game win without allowing a single walk.

• Key Stat: Chemeketa out-hit the Chokers 19-9, showing zero signs of a "road-trip hangover."

Game 2: The Zoe Moore Show

Final: Chemeketa 15, Grays Harbor 5 (5 Innings)

If Game 1 was about depth, Game 2 was about pure, unadulterated power. Zoe Moore put on a clinic, launching two home runs and driving in four. But she wasn't alone in the home run derby; Kylie Caraphina, Meagan Trissell, and Laney Deloe all joined the party, sending balls deep into the Aberdeen afternoon.

Deloe was particularly impressive as a dual-threat weapon. While she was racking up seven strikeouts on the rubber to keep the Chokers at bay, she was also 3-for-4 at the plate with a double and a home run.

The Storm's most explosive frame came in the fourth, a six-run barrage that featured back-to-back homers by Caraphina and Moore. When Trissell and Deloe added their own blasts in the fifth, the run-rule was officially triggered.

Saturday's Power Ledger: The "Long Ball" Tracker

The Storm hitters exploited every mistake by the Grays Harbor staff:

Inside the Box Score: Tactical Efficiency

While the home runs get the headlines, the Storm's discipline was equally vital. In Game 2, Chemeketa struck out only one time across 35 plate appearances. By putting the ball in play consistently, they forced Grays Harbor into four errors over the doubleheader, leading to six unearned runs.

Furthermore, the pitching staff's control was legendary. Across 11 innings of play, Storm pitchers did not issue a single walk. By forcing the Chokers to earn every base they got, Chemeketa's staff ensured that the occasional home run from the opposition remained a solo or two-run affair rather than a rally-starter.

Looking Ahead

The Storm (11-9) are now riding a wave of momentum as they climb back above the .500 mark. If the middle of the order continues to produce at this historic clip, the rest of the NWAC should be on high alert.

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