Washington splits in ranked DH

WASHINGTON — Two of Southeast Iowa’s best went toe-to-toe at Washington High School on Monday night, as the Southeast Conference champion Demons hosted Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division champion Louisa-Muscatine Falcons.

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Washington came into the game ranked No. 9 in Class 3A, while Louisa-Muscatine was No. 2 in Class 2A. Both ranked squads picked up a quality win, as Washington took the opener 8-6, but fell 10-3 in Game 2.

The Demons built a 5-0 lead after three innings, and held that advantage until Louisa-Muscatine’s bats came alive in the top of the fifth.

The Falcons cut the lead to 5-3, but a pair of Washington runs brought the lead back up to 7-3. Louisa-Muscatine got back within’ two, at 7-5 in the top of the sixth, but Washington earned some breathing room with one more in the bottom half.

Leading 8-5 with one quarter left, Washington starter Bella Salazar held the Falcons to one in the top of the seventh to hang on for victory.

Halle Cuddeback was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs in the Game 1 win. Leighton Salazar and Bella Salazar each went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI. Natalie Hartman knocked in two runs.

In the circle, Bella Salazar gave up six runs (four earned) on 15 hits, while striking out three batters.

The Demon bats went cold in Game 2, and that wasn’t the case for the visitors. Louisa-Muscatine scored the first nine runs and never looked back.

Leighton Salazar went 3-for-4 in Game 2, and stole five bases between the two games. Cuddeback was 2-for-4 with an RBI in Game 2.

Cuddeback started the second game in the circle, giving up 10 runs (six earned) on 12 hits, five walks and two hit batters, while striking out four.