ELKS 12, DRIFTERS 8

BEND – Jaycob Villalpando and Jack Klee had strong season debuts, but Springfield squandered a six-run lead late and fell to Bend on opening day in front of a crowd of over 1,000 at Vince Genna Stadium. Springfield scored two runs in the second inning and five runs in the fifth inning to build a 7-1 lead. The Drifters outhit the Elks 10-to-9, but couldn’t capitalize with runners in scoring position, stranding 15 batters on base. “Everyone wanted to be a hero, and it’s understandable. Everyone’s new,” coach Jeff Lyle said. “They don’t know each other, and they want to be the guy for their teammate instead of just passing the baton. Leaving 15 runners on base is terrible, but … we had 15 runners on base to leave.”

ELKS 8, DRIFTERS 5

BEND – Despite recording 11 hits on Saturday night, the Drifters left 11 runners on base in a loss. The Drifters have now lost a series to the Elks for the first time since June 2024. With the Elks making five errors and allowing six walks, there were plenty of opportunities for Springfield, but the absence of a hit to break open a game proved costly. Drifters pitcher Kaden Harris had a rough go, allowing three of his four earned runs in the first inning. He failed to make it past the fourth inning, letting up seven hits, four walks and a wild pitch that scored the first run of the game.

ELKS 8, DRIFTERS 7 (10)

BEND – Springfield was one out away from its first win of the season, but Bend rallied for an extra-inning victory Sunday at Vince Genna Stadium to complete a three-game sweep.In a game with six lead changes, the Drifters led 7-6 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. After Bend tied the game, an error in the bottom of the 10th inning allowed the winning run to score for the Elks.