The Sunnyside Grizzlies softball team had an impressive week, winning three of four games to even their record at 5-5 on the season.
The Grizzlies opened the week on Tuesday, Sept. 30 with a doubleheader split against Eastmont. In Game 1, Briones drove in five runs on three hits, including a three-run homer in the first inning, to lead Sunnyside to a 13-6 victory.
Sunnyside broke open the game in the third inning, scoring six runs on three hits to flip a one-run deficit into a 9-4 lead. Janiah Rodriguez added a two-run single, while Kayla Murray and Taylor Hazzard each tallied three hits.
Pitcher Lily Cardenas went the distance, allowing six runs (five earned) on 12 hits while striking out one.
In game 2, Eastmont responded with a 19-7 win, despite another strong effort from Briones, who hit a grand slam and finished with four RBIs. The Wildcats racked up 28 hits in the game, with Ava Garcia leading the way with a three-run homer and four RBIs.
Cardenas again went the full six innings for Sunnyside, allowing 19 runs (18 earned) on 28 hits. Rodriguez, Murray and Briones each collected two hits in the loss.
The Grizzlies bounced back on Thursday, October 2, sweeping the Wenatchee Panthers.
In Game 1, Briones once again powered the offense, driving in five runs on three hits, including two doubles, as Sunnyside rolled to a 13-4 win. Auti Fernandez chipped in three hits and two RBIs, while Rodriguez, Makenna Castro, and Analy Rangel each added multiple hits.
Cardenas earned the win, scattering 14 hits and four runs over seven innings.
Sunnyside capped the doubleheader with an 11-1 victory behind another multi-hit effort from Briones, who went 3-for-4 with an inside-the-park home run. Rodriguez also drove in three runs on three hits, and Murray added two RBIs.
Cardenas delivered another complete-game performance, allowing just one unearned run on nine hits over six innings.
With the regular season nearing its end, the Grizzlies will look to stay hot when they travel to Eisenhower on Thursday, Oct. 9.