SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – The Corban University baseball team opened their weekend series with a 7-3 victory over Bushnell University. It was the inaugural game at Hamlin Sports Complex in Springfield, Ore. as the Beacons played their first home contest in 50 years. While the Beacons are the newest members of the Cascade Collegiate Conference, the games this weekend will serve as non-conference games and will not factor into the CCC standings for 2022.

The Warriors, accustomed to jumping out to early leads so far this season, scored in the first inning for the fifth time in nine games. Following a Maxwell Jeffrey walk, Cale Thompson ripped a single to right field. With runners at first and second, veteran infielder Estenio Sede lined a 2-RBI triple into the left-center gap to give the Warriors a 2-0 lead.

The second inning was more of the same as Brian Landon led off the frame with a single to right field. He eventually came around on a clutch 2-out RBI single by Brad Pellkofer to extend the advantage to 3-0.

Corban got another stellar start from right-hander Mason Shaw. The veteran threw six strong innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five, en route to his second victory on the campaign. He was also the beneficiary of a strong defensive effort from the Warrior infield as youngsters Aidan Bunn and Ryan Clay both provided highlight reel plays in the contest.

In the fifth inning, the Navy and Gold's offense delivered with some clutch two-out hitting to extend their advantage. Outfielder Kyle Clay started the rally with a 2-RBI knock to left field. Landon promptly followed with a double, scoring Clay and chasing the Beacons starter from the game. After the pitching change, Landon stole third and scored following an error by Bushnell catcher Kyle Casperson.

With a 7-1 lead in tow, the Warriors turned the ball over to Giovanni Cervantes in relief of Shaw. Cervantes threw three innings, allowing just one earned run, to close out the Warrior win. Cervantes was credited with his second save of the year.

Corban (4-3-1) is back in action tomorrow in Springfield. The Warriors will get their first look at the Oregon Tech Owls at 11 a.m., before another game against Bushnell at 2 p.m. Both game will take place at Hamlin Sports Complex in Springfield, Ore.