KEIZER, Ore. – With a scoreless outing through six innings on their hands today at Volcanoes Stadium, the Corban University Baseball team (5-15, 0-0) put themselves in a position to force a series split with the University of British Columbia (14-10, 0-0), but couldn't muster up the offense needed to secure a win, falling to the Thunderbirds 4-1 in the series finale.
"We just couldn't get the big hit when we needed it today," Warriors' Head Coach Ethan Bragg shared shortly after dropping the Sunday matinee contest. The starting pitching was much better today, and we put ourselves in a great spot to have a shot at a win."
Bragg concluded with, "We are looking forward to getting started with our CCC slate next weekend."
While each team managed to advance a baserunner in the first inning, both starting pitchers avoided the rainy conditions to leave the opening frame unscathed, with Corban tallying an error and the only hit thus far via a bunt single from sophomore third baseman Ryan Clay.
Corban sophomore starting pitcher Hayden Van Acker was dealing in his first start of the weekend, allowing just a handful of baserunners through the first 4.0 innings. However, UBC starting pitcher Ryan Beitel was also pitching well despite the constant sprinkling/mist covering the field, as each team had managed just two hits apiece as they approached the midway point of today's contest.
However, despite the Warriors outhitting the Thunderbirds 5-2 through the first six innings, UBC was the first to strike on the scoreboard, scoring three runs in the top seventh on two RBI singles and RBI double with runners on second base.
The Navy and Gold cut the lead by a run in the very next opportunity, capitalizing on a first and third, no-out scenario with a sacrifice bunt from senior catcher Keenan O'Brien that scored senior first baseman Nainoa Ka'ahanui in the process. The Thunderbirds would go on to induce a popup and called strikeout to end the inning, leading 3-1 in the four-game finale.
It didn't take long for UBC to earn their second three-run lead of the game, as centerfielder Brandon Hupe tripled to deep right centerfield to score shortstop Mike Fitzsimmons with ease from third base, giving the Thunderbirds a new lead of 4-1 over the Warriors.
A pair of relief pitchers in the form of Vicarte Domingo and Brendan Logan combined for the final two innings for British Columbia, slamming the door on the Warrior offense and earning the 3-1 series win on the road.
Van Acker earned the no decision after 5.0 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five Thunderbirds. Redshirt sophomore relief pitcher Trevor Szczepanek took the loss after tossing 3.0 innings and allowing the first runs of the game, as four runs off five hits provided the Thunderbirds with enough distance to close out the series. Junior relief pitcher James Arend tossed the final inning of work for the Corban bullpen, allowing no runs on not hits and a pair of walks.
Thunderbirds' starting pitcher Ryan Beitel threw a similar start to Van Acker in a no decision, 5.0 innings appearance to allow four hits and strikeout seven batters. Relief pitcher Cole Alguire secured the win after tossing 2.0 innings and allowing just one run on three hits. Logan earned his first save of the season by entering in the ninth with a three-run lead, allowing just one hit in the frame.
Warriors' junior shortstop Aidan Bunn smashed a game-high three hits in four at-bats, while Clay tacked on another two hits as the other multi-hit afternoon for a Corban student-athlete.
Rightfielder Mitchell Middlemiss was the only Thunderbird with multiple hits this afternoon, securing a 2-for-2 game four appearance while four different batters earned an RBI.
The Warriors will finally begin Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) games this upcoming weekend, as they'll face a mighty foe in defending CCC regular season and tournament champions in No. 3-ranked Lewis-Clark State College (15-3, 0-0) next Saturday and Sunday in Lewiston, with Friday's first pitch scheduled for 12pm PDT.
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