Dustin Yates threw six innings, giving up just three hits while striking out seven, and scored a run to lead Yakima Valley past Mt. Spokane 2-0 in an AA American Legion state tournament quarterfinal game Tuesday night at Merkel Field.
The Peppers move on to the semifinal game against Anacortes, Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Merkel Field. Anacortes defeated Kennewick Pepsi-Cola 9-8 in eight innings in the earlier game to advance. Mt. Spokane and Kennewick are eliminated.
Noah Minnick had a lead-off single for the Peppers in the first inning. Minnick advanced to second on a fielder's choice before Yates made it to first on an error, moving Minnick to third. Clark Streby singled to score Minnick, giving the Peppers a 1-0 lead. Yates then moved to third on a passed ball and scored on a fielder's choice to cap the scoring.
Michael Walker pitched a complete game and struck out three for Mt. Spokane. Mt. Spokane left 10 on base and ended the game with the base-loaded.