Ryan Anderson struck out 11 in a complete game three hitter to push Spanish Springs past crosstown rival, Reed, 6-0 at home on Wednesday afternoon.
Anderson, who will pitch for the University of Nevada next spring, helped the Cougars (17-12, 12-9) move into a tie for fifth place with Damonte Ranch. The Raiders (17-11, 10-11) remained one game ahead of Douglas for the eighth and final playoff spot with one game left in the season. The Tigers also lost on Wednesday, to Carson.
The Cougs jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first, which was plenty for Anderson. After the first three batters reached, Carson McCusker drove in the first run of the game with an RBI single. Three batters later, Chase Lee drove in two with a double to center.
Josh Prizina provided some insurance in the bottom of the fourth with a two-run blast and McCusker (3-for-4, 2 RBIs, run) drove in the final run of the afternoon in the bottom of the sixth with his second RBI single.
Anderson did work himself into trouble in the top of the second. An error, a single and a hit by pitch loaded the bases with no outs. The 6-6 southpaw escaped by inducing a 5-2-3 double play and ending the threat with his second of 11 punchouts.
Benny Peck went 2-for-3 for the Raiders in the loss.
Jake White threw the first two innings and was charged with the loss. He gave way to Levi Sanchez, who allowed three runs on four hits over four innings of relief. He struck out four and walked two.
The two squads have a quick turnaround and will play each other again on Thursday at Reed in the regular season finale.
The Raiders, who split with Douglas, will avoid a tiebreaker scenario with the Tigers for the final playoff spot with a win or a loss pair with a Douglas loss to Carson.
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