MESA, Ariz. – A two-run ballgame was blown out of proportion by a seven-run bottom of the fourth frame by Benedictine University Mesa, as the Corban University Baseball team was unable to muster the offensive firepower to keep pace with the hot-hitting Redhawks and instead, dropped their final contest of the three-game road trip to begin the 2026 regular season.
"We just didn't show up today and execute to Corban baseball expectations," explained Warriors' head coach Ryan Harris. "We weren't as clean on defense, which led to not executing on the mound in critical situations. We learned a lot from this weekend, now we must go to work this week and be ready to go at home next weekend.
A leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning set the early offensive tone for the host Redhawks (3-0) who would go on to belt three of the five homers at Mountain View High School, as the Warriors (0-3) kept the contest close early with a longball of their own before Benedictine batted around in the fourth inning to more than double their lead. A six-run bottom of the sixth inning put the Redhawks in run-rule territory, which they sealed away in the top of the seventh with a 1-2-3 defensive frame.
Corban senior starting pitcher Isaac Bateman moved from his usual shortstop position to pitch the opening 3.0+ innings against BenU, eventually accepting the loss after giving up seven earned runs off seven hits and four walks while striking out three hitters. The Warrior bullpen combined to allow another 11 runs on six hits, with ten free passes (eight walks, two hit-by-pitches) eventually costing them on the scoreboard.
Redhawks' starting pitcher Cody Campbell secured the winning decision after holding the Navy and Gold to five runs on eight hits, striking out five batters while walking just one. Reliever Ryan Parents tossed the final 2.0 innings, allowing just two baserunners alongside a punchout.
Bateman gave himself a chance on the mound with his first home run of the year in the fourth inning that momentarily cut their deficit in half, eventually finishing today's matchup with two hits, two RBI, and a run scored from the cleanup spot of Harris' lineup. Redshirt sophomore Sean Shaffer belted a two-run homer himself in an exact mirrored performance at the plate to Bateman, while junior leftfielder Lucas Mertlich was 2-for-3 with an RBI.
Four different BenU batsmen secured multi-hit outings, with three of the four finishing with three hits apiece. Leadoff hitter and leftfielder Oliver Davies led off the bottom of the first with a solo shot to lead the team with three hits, two RBI, and three runs scored, while designated hitter Tyson Treadgill flipped hit three hits into three RBI and two runs scored. Rightfielder Javier Rochin led all players with six RBI following his sixth inning grand slam to conclude today's scoring.
The Warriors will host their home opener on Friday, January 30th against fellow Cascade Collegiate Conference member Warner Pacific University (0-0) in game one of a three-game non-conference series, with first pitch scheduled for 3pm at Roto-Rooter Park.
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