GNAC Baseball

March 10

Saint Martin's Outlast Puget Sound 14-10

Saint Martin's gave away a 9-2 lead, but rebounded for a 14-10 win over Puget Sound in a non-conference baseball game at the SMU Baseball Field Wednesday.

Adam Hudspeth's two-run triple in the bottom of the sixth put SMU (6-11) up for the good. Hudspeth had three hits and four RBI, including a two-run single in a six-run second inning.

The Saints had a total of 18 hits. Michael McIver, Kalen Wilson, Bobby Twedt and Cory Bassi all had two for SMU.

Terry Sanders, the second of three Saint pitchers, got credit for the win. In two innings he gave up three runs, but they were all unearned. He acquired five of the six outs in the two frames via strikeouts.

March 7

Saints, Yellowjackets Divide Four-Game Series

Saint Martin's and Montana State Billings divided their regularly-scheduled GNAC baseball doubleheader Sunday after the Yellowjackets won the conclusion of a game suspended Saturday because of darkness.

MSUB (3-10) won the suspended game 1-0 before losing Sunday's opener 10-5. But the Yellowjackets then bounced back for a 7-1 win.

That left both teams with two victories in the opening series of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball season.

MSUB got two outstanding pitching performances in the series. On Saturday Kody Kennedy was dominate allowing two hits and striking out 13 in six innings before the game was halted.

Archie Smith added a 14th strikeout in the final inning Sunday morning to preserve the 1-0 win. The lone run came on a third-inning single by Jeff Ridgeway.

Smith started Sunday's first game, but was touched up for four runs and five hits in four innings.

Centerfielder Andrew Elke, DH Matt Marcoe, right fielder Aaron Johnson and first baseman Michael McIver all had productive games for the Saints (5-11).

Elke had three hits, walked once and was hit by a pitch and scored five of his team's runs. He also stole four bases tying a GNAC single-game record last done six years ago. He's also the 11th player in conference history to score five runs in a single contest.

Marcoe had three hits and two RBI, while Johnson had a RBI ground out and a two-run home run. McIver had two hits and three RBI.

MSUB was led by shortstop Matt Schoonover with three hits and catcher Ty Sobieraj with three RBI.

Schoonover, Jordan Kessler, Blake Nelson and Sam Kinzeler all had two hits and Kessler had two RBI in the final game of the series. MSUB's Brian Howe got the win allowing three hits and fanning seven in six innings.

Central Washington Loses at Lewis-Clark State

For the second day in a row, Central Washington lost a two-run decision at Lewis-Clark State falling 3-1 to the Warriors, who are now 14-1 on the season.

Brian Burke's two-run home run in the fifth snapped a 1-1 tie as the Wildcats fell to 2-10 on the season. CWU got its lone run in the third when Jake Hammons bounced into a double play.

March 6

NNU Rallies From Six Back to Beat WOU

Down 11-5 late in the contest, Northwest Nazarene (7-10, 1-3) scored six runs in the seventh then got a three-run home run by Joel Oliver in the eighth to defeat Western Oregon 14-12 in the opening game of a Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball doubleheader at Nampa Saturday.

The Wolves (8-9, 3-1), however, bounced back to win the second game 11-3 and win the series.

Meanwhile in Lacey, Saint Martin's (4-9) beat Montana State Billings 7-6 in 10 innings in their conference opener. Their second game was suspended in the seventh due to darkness with MSUB (1-9) leading 1-0 and will be completed Sunday prior to their regularly-scheduled twinbill.

In a non-conference game, Lewis-Clark State (13-1) scored six runs in the fourth inning in a 6-4 win over Central Washington (2-9) at Harris Field in Lewiston.

Northwest Nazarene 14-3, Western Oregon 12-11

Sean McDonald keyed a six-run seventh with a three-run home run and then Oliver snapped an 11-11 tie in the eighth with a three-run blast as the Crusaders (7-10, 1-3) rallied back to beat Western Oregon.

The NNU seventh also featured RBI singles by Connor Rankin and Oliver and a solo home run by Ryan VanBeek.

Rankin had four hits in the contest as NNU outhit Western Oregon 19-12 in the contest that featured nine home runs.

Western Oregon went deep six times. Andrew Irvine led off the second with a home run and Logan Lotti hit a four-bagger in the third. Cody Reeves and Cesar Lopez had solo blasts in the fourth.

Lotti then found the fences again in the fifth for a two-run homer and Irvine slammed his second home run in the seventh right before NNU began its comeback.

Kalen Hruza pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief and was credited with the win. Ryan Brown finished up in the ninth to earn a save. The loser was Brad Carter, the third of three WOU pitchers.

Kyle Boe slammed two home runs and drove in five runs to lead Western Oregon to its second-game victory. He had back-to-back two-run homers in the fifth and sixth and also had a RBI single in the first finishing the day three-for-three

Lopez , who hit his second home run of the day in the fourth, was one of three WOU players with two hits. Outfielders Daniel Dillard and Devon Bouvier also had two.

Kirk Lind went the distance for the Wolves, allowing seven hits, two each to Ryan Udy and Cameron Louie. Lind, now 1-1, walked one and struck out six.

Saint Martin's 7, Montana State Billings 6

Luke Abbott's bases-loaded single with no outs in the bottom of the 10th gave Saint Martin's a 7-6 victory.

MSU Billings had forced the extra inning scoring a run in the ninth on a RBI single by Brian Dukart. Earlier the Yellowjackets had overcome a 5-2 deficit with three runs in the seventh , the final one on a single by Jordan Kessler.

Saint Martin's, however, went back ahead in the eighth scoring on a passed ball before MSUB tied it again in the ninth.

Kaleb Wilson got the final five outs for the Saints, allowing just one hit to earn the victory. Offensively, Cody Brooks led SMU's 16-hit attack with four safeties. Josh Grenier had three hits, scored two runs and drove in two.

Jeff Ridgeway and Chris Round had three hits each for the Yellowjackets, while Jaret Chatwood had two.

Lewis-Clark State 6, Central Washington 4

Except for the fourth, CWU pitcher Bryce Hjellum blanked the Warriors on two hits. But, he was touched up for eight safeties in that inning, including three doubles. The big hit was a two-run double by Kawika Emsley-Pai.

CWU struck back for two runs in the sixth on a double by Kevin Schneider and two in the ninth on a home run by Kevin Walkenhauer.

Eric Sorenson then singled to bring the tying run to the plate, but Alex Milden popped into a double play to end the game.

March 5

WOU Opens Defense of Title With Sweep of Northwest Nazarene

Western Oregon began its quest for a ninth straight GNAC baseball title Friday sweeping Northwest Nazarene 13-2 and 4-3 in a conference doubleheader at Vail Field in Nampa.

Michael Ward and Blake Keitzman spun three- and four-hitters, respectively, each going the distance. Ward gave up two singles and a double, didn't walk a batter and fanned four in the nine-inning opener.

WOU (7-8 overall), meanwhile, had eight extra bases hits, including four doubles and four home runs. First baseman Cody Reeves had a two-run shot in the third and a solo home run in the seventh.

Daniel Dillard led off the fourth with a four-bagger and Garrett Breda keyed a six-run seventh with a two-run blast. Aaron Headrick, Dillard, Jason Moseby and Logan Lotti all had doubles.

In the second game, Keitzman walked three and fanned 11 pitching the Wolves over NNU's Zeb Sneed who allowed six hits. Dillard's two-run single in the first got WOU off to an early 2-0 lead.

WOU added runs in the third on a bunt by Cesar Lopez and in the fourth on a triple by Devon Bouvier to go ahead 4-3. NNU (6-9), which scored twice in the third on a double by Kramer Uvila and an error, pulled to within one run in the fifth on a balk.

Keitzman, however, got a double play in the sixth from his defense, then struck out the side in the seventh.

Connor Rankin and Joel Oliver had two hits on the day - one in each game - to lead NNU offensively.

Crusader first baseman Jon Keller went 0 for 5, ending a 17-game hitting streak dating back to NNU's final four games of the 2009 season. Keller's streak equaled the eighth longest in GNAC history.

March 3

Yellowjackets Loses To Monterey Bay

Cal State Monterey Bay struck for four first-inning runs, then added single runs in the second, fourth and sixth in defeating Montana State Billings 7-5 Wednesday at Seaside, Calif.

MSUB rallied to within two runs twice, scoring a pair in the sixth on a wild pitch and a single by catcher Ty Sobieraj and one in the eighth on a solo home run by DH Kevin Zukaitis, but that was the closest they got.

Sobieraj and Zukaitis each had two hits and the Yellowjacket catcher drove in two runs for MSUB, which fell to 1-8. Monterey Bay improved to 3-15.

MSUB, which opens its conference season with a four-game series at Saint Martin's Saturday, were scheduled to play Sonoma State in a second game, but that contest was rained out.

February 27

Northwest Nazarene , Central Swept in Doubleheaders

Brian Burke and Todd Muecklisch homered and combined for six RBI to lead Lewis-Clark State to a 7-1 win over Northwest Nazarene in the opening game of a doubleheader Saturday at Harris Field in Lewiston.

The Warriors (10-1) also won the nightcap6-4 to complete a three-game series sweep and improve to 5-0 against GNAC teams so far this spring.

Meanwhile at Chico, nationally 16th ranked Chico State hammered Central Washington 24-2 and 12-1 in a NCAA West Region doubleheader. The teams play two more games Sunday to complete the four-game series.

Burke had a grand slam in the third to give LCSC an early 4-1 lead and Muecklisch, who had three hits including a homer in the nightcap, led off the fifth with a solo shot. He also doubled in the sixth to drive in a run.

NNU had just three hits, including a RBI double by Greg Christensen in the second inning.

Winning pitcher Tyler Lichty gave up two of the hits in seven innings. Jon Keller (1-2) was charged with 10 hits allowed and all seven runs taking the loss for NNU.

The Crusaders fell behind 4-0 in the nightcap before scoring two in the seventh. LCSC got those runs back in their half of the inning on a two-run home run by Josh Ashenbrenner.

That proved to be the difference as NNU tacked on two runs in the ninth on a two-run single by Keller.

Christensen and Niko Hawes had the Crusaders' first two RBI on a ground out and single, respectively. NNU finished the game with 10 hits, three each by Hawes and Kramer Uvila.

Chico State 24-12, Central Washington 2-1

Chico State pounded out eight home runs including five in the opener in sweeping Central Washington

Shortstop Michael Murphy had four hits, including a pair of doubles and a home run as Chico won the opener 24-2. Murphy was one of three players to drive in three runs.

Designated Johnny Hay went four for four and drove in four runs in the nightcap. Two of his hits left the ballpark. Chico also got three RBI from first baseman Kevin Seaver. Seaver finished the day with six runs batted in.

CWU's first-game runs came on a single by Eric Sorenson in the fourth and a double by Sean Murphy in the eighth. Central avoided a shutout in the nightcap scoring in the seventh on a RBI force out by Kris Henderson.

February 26

Crusaders Rally Falls Short Against Warriors

Northwest Nazarene scored five runs in its final two at bats before falling to Lewis-Clark State 11-8 in a non-conference baseball game at Harris Field Friday.

The Warriors banged out 18 hits in building a 11-3 lead through six innings. Outfielder Jason Hague and second baseman Josh Ashenbrenner each had three hits for LCSC, which improved to 8-1 on the season, including 3-0 against GNAC teams.

First baseman Jon Keller led the Crusaders (6-5) with three hits, while outfielder Tyler Nicholson had two hits. Both players drove in two runs. Among Keller's hits were a pair of doubles. Nicholson also had a two-base hit.

Zeb Sneed (1-2) took the loss giving up nine hits and eight runs in 2 2/3 innings. Charles Pollock finished up pitching the final 5 1/3 innings. He was touched up for nine hits, but gave up only three runs, all in the sixth.

February 25

Yellowjackets Drop Two More to GCU

For the second time in two days, Grand Canyon pulled out a win over Montana State Billings in its final at bat as the Antelopes completed a sweep of a four-game series Thursday at Brazell Stadium in Phoenix.

Grand Canyon scored in every inning of the seven-frame contest in overcoming a 7-2 deficit and winning Thursday's second contest 12-11. Grand Canyon won the opener 7-1.

Trevor Santor drove in the winning run in the seventh with a RBI single after MSUB had tied the game in the top of the seventh on a wild pitch.

The Yellowjackets outhit Grand Canyon 15-7. Second baseman Jordan Kessler paced MSUB with three hits and three RBI. Jeff Ridgeway, Chris Round, Jonathon Crews and Chris Stine each had two hits.

Brian Hutchings, the fourth of four MSUB pitchers, took the loss, allowing four runs and four hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Colin Courtland gave up seven hits and one run in six innings in pitching Grand Canyon to the win in the opener. MSUB got its lone run in the second on a infield single by Ty Sobieraj.

Sobieraj, Ridgeway and Patch Wirtzberger all had two hits for MSUB. P.J. Garcia and Gavin Tucker each had two hits and two RBI for the Antelopes.

February 24

MSUB Swept by Grand Canyon

Colin Courtland's two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh snapped a 2-2 tie and gave Grand Canyon a 4-2 win over Montana State Billings in the opening game of a baseball doubleheader Wednesday at Brazell Stadium. in Phoenix.

The Antelopes completed the sweep winning the second game 19-4 to improve to 8-6. The games were the season openers for the Yellowjackets.

MSUB, which got a strong five inning performance from pitcher Archie Smith (6 hits, one run, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts), took a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning of the opener on a RBI single by Jaret Chatwood before GCU tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a single by Billy Schroeder.

Then in the seventh, after a walk and two outs, Courtland ended it with his walk-off blast.

Game 2 wasn't as dramatic as the Antelopes pounded out 15 hits, including two each by Jay Green, Tyler Baur, Danny Bethea and Gavin Tucker.

Matt Schoonover had two hits for MSUB including a RBI single in a three-run third inning. Kevin Zukaitis had a pinch-hit solo home run in the final inning.

But Grand Canyon had long since put the game away scoring seven in the first, six in the second, one in the third and five in the sixth.

February 23

Johnson Drives In Eight as Saints Romp

Right fielder Aaron Johnson drove in eight runs - one short of the GNAC single-game record - as Saint Martin's romped to a 21-7 win over Seattle University Tuesday at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue.

The game was just the third for the Division I Redhawks after resurrecting their baseball program, which was dropped in the early 1980s. They lost their first two games last week to Washington State.

Johnson homered for three runs in the third, then doubled for two more in the fourth as the Saints snapped a 4-4 tie with four runs. Johnson had a RBI single in the fifth and another two-run double in the sixth to cap his big day.

Saint Martin's (3-9), which scored four or more runs in five different innings, also got four RBI each from Travis Jones and Matt Marcus.

Six different pitchers - including winner Thomas DeBoer - combined to limit Seattle to one earned run, though the Redhawks did take advantage of four Saint errors to score six unearned runs. Josh Kalalau and Nate Roberts had home runs for SU.

DeBoer pitched 2 1/3 innings allowing just two hits and striking out one to improve to 2-1.

February 21

Big Day For WOU's Boe in 12-11 Victory

Western Oregon third baseman Kyle Boe capped off a big day with a two-run single in the eighth inning to rally Western Oregon to a 12-11 win over Saint Martin's in the final day of a baseball tournament at Lewiston.

The Wolves (5-8) finished the tourney with a 3-1 record and have now won five of six after a 0-7 start. The Saints slipped to 2-9, finishing the tournament at 1-3.

Boe had four hits and drove in four runs in the contest as the Wolves overcame three deficits to win. He singled and scored during a three-run sixth as WOU tied the game for the first time at 5-5.

The Saints then scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth to go ahead 10-5, but the Wolves scored five runs in the top of the seventh, two on a single by Boe, to tie it at 10-10.

SMU went back ahead 11-10 on a RBI single by Michael McIver in the bottom of the frame. Boe, however, then delivered his game-winning hit in the eighth.

Dustin Fulk pitched the final three innings for WOU allowing one hit and striking out three to get the win.

In addition to Boe, designated hitter Aaron Headrick led WOU with three hits. Second baseman Grant Glover had three RBI. Logan Lotti had two hits, including a solo home run to lead off the sixth, and two RBI.

First baseman Travis Jones, shortstop Cody Brooks and catcher Luke Abbott all had two hits for the Saints.

February 20

Western Oregon Splits in LCSC Tournament

Western Oregon rebounded from a 3-2 loss to Lewis-Clark State to defeat Central Washington 6-4 in Day 2 of a baseball tournament at Lewiston Saturday.

Saint Martin's, meanwhile, lost to Linfield 11-3 in the three-day event at Harris Field.

Jacob Pettit allowed just five hits and an unearned run to Central Washington in improving his record to 2-1. He didn't walk a batter and struck out five.

Cesar Lopez provided the offense for the Wolves (4-8), driving in three runs with a pair of hits, including a RBI single in the fourth and a two-run home run in the sixth.

Chance Plutt had three hits for the Wildcats, who fell to 2-4 on the season. Kris Henderson had a two-run double during a three-run Wildcat eighth. WOU's Brad Carter, however, came on to get the final five outs and earn a save.

Jason Moseby and Daniel Dillard had solo home runs in the fifth and sixth in WOU's loss to LCSC, however the Warriors countered with single runs in the second, fifth and sixth.

Shortstop Kelson Brown keyed Linfield's win against Saint Martin's going five for six, scoring three runs and driving in four. Four of his hits were for extra bases as he had one single, two doubles and two home runs. Josh Grenier homered in the fifth to account for two of SMU's three runs.

Northwest Nazarene Divides Pair of 8-7 Decisions

Northwest Nazarene rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Willamette 8-7 in the final game of a baseball tournament Saturday at Vail Field in Nampa.

The Crusaders finished the tournament with a 3-1 record and are now 6-4 on the season.

Ryan Udy's two-run single tied the game in the ninth and then pinch-hitter Jesse Gwaltney ended the 3 hour, 37 minute contest just before midnight with a RBI single.

Designated hitter Niko Hawes led NNU with three hits. He also scored three runs and drove in two.

Hawes, who started the game as the designated hitter and finished at second base, was a factor in all four Crusader scoring rallies.

He walked and scored in the first, crushed an RBI double to left center in the fifth, smacked an RBI single in the seventh, and led off the bottom of the ninth with a single, eventually scoring one of the two runs that Udy brought home to tie the game at 7-7.

The Crusaders finished seven of eight in the stolen base category in the game, led by Ty Windall with three and Hawes with two. The late rally made a winner of Ryan Brown, who struck out the side in the ninth in his only inning of work.

Earlier Saturday, the Crusaders lost to Oregon Tech by an 8-7 score as OIT shortstop Zack Earle had two hits, including a three-run first-inning home run.

NNU had 10 hits in the contest, including two by catcher Connor Rankin. Third baseman Joel Oliver had two RBI. Relief pitcher J.T. Brodrick, who gave up a pair of unearned runs in the eighth took the loss.

February 19

Saints Outscore Wildcats, Lose to LCSC

Thomas DeBoer scattered eight hits and Cody Brooks drove in three runs with a pair of doubles to lead Saint Martin's to a 10-3 win over Central Washington in the opening game of a tournament Friday at Lewiston.

In Game 2 of the tournament, Saint Martin's (2-7) lost 2-1 to perennial NAIA powerhouse Lewis-Clark State. Western Oregon defeated Linfield 6-4 in Friday's final game.

Saint Martin's pitching staff did not walk a batter in either of its game DeBoer fanned three while allowing two CWU runs in his win. The Wildcats got another run in the ninth on a ground out by Danny Myers.

Centerfielder Brett Bielec accounted for Central's first run, homering in the first. Jake Hammons tripled and scored on a single by Kevin Schneider in the sixth.

But by that time the Saints were comfortably ahead 8-1 after scoring five times, twice on a double by Brooks in the top of the sixth. Brooks also had a RBI double in the eighth.

The Saints outhit Central 10-9 and also played errorless baseball. CWU made three errors leading to six unearned runs off of Wildcat starter Bryce Hjellum.

Brooks, right fielder Aaron Johnson and first baseman Travis Jones all had two hits for SMU. Jones had a pair of RBI.

Michael McIver pitched a five-hitter against Lewis-Clark State (5-1) giving up two first-inning runs.

The Saints had plenty of opportunities to win the game, but stranded 14 runners, leaving the bases loaded in the third and two on in the fourth, seventh and ninth.

Its lone run came in the third as Josh Grenier was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in a run. Grenier also had two of SMU's eight safeties.

Blake Keitzman allowed seven hits and four runs in five innings in Western Oregon's victory to record his first win of the season. Kirk Lind pitched four scoreless innings in relief allowing four hits to post a save.

Western Oregon overcame a 4-0 deficit with a five-run fifth scoring runs on singles by Kyle Boe and Devon Bouvier and on a hit batter, sacrifice fly and error.

Bouvier's hit snapped a 4-4 tie Daniel Dillard singled in the seventh to provide an insurance run. Logan Lotti led WOU with three hits, while Dillard had two.

Crusaders Sweep Whitworth in NNU Tournament

Jon Keller and Jesse Gwaltney earned wins Friday pitching Northwest Nazarene to a 11-7, 4-2 sweep of Whitworth in a baseball tournament at Vail Field in Nampa.

Oregon Tech and Willamette split the first two games of the tournament The Bearcats won Game 1 by a 9-5 count before the Owls rebounded for a 3-2 win.

In the NNU-Whitworth opener Keller allowed six hits in six innings to even his record at 1-1. The Crusaders jumped to an 8-0 lead in the first inning and led 10-2 when Keller left the game after six innings.

Keller, who didn't walk a batter and fanned four, started the scoring with a two-run double, the second of six hits in the inning for NNU. In the third, Tyler Nicholson hit a two-run home run to make it 10-0.

Nine different players had hits for the Crusaders led by shortstop Cameron Louis who had two. Greg Hata led the Pirates with two hits and four RBI.

NNU built a 4-0 lead in the second game before Whitworth finally got on the board in the sixth. Gwaltney allowed four hits and two runs, one earned in 5 2/3 innings He walked two and struck out two.

Ryan VanBeek had two hits, including a RBI single in the fifth. He also led off the fourth with a single and eventually scored. NNU, which plays Oregon Tech and Willamette on Saturday, improved to 5-3 on the season.

February 14

Western Oregon Sweeps Sonoma, Ends Losing Skid at Seven,

Center fielder Daniel Dillard scored one run and drove in two as Western Oregon ended a seven-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over Sonoma State Sunday at Santa Rosa, Calif.

The Wolves also won the second game 5-0 sweeping the twinbill between two schools who played in the NCAA West Regional a year ago. Jacob Pettit allowed just two hits in five innings in leveling his record at 1-1.

Elsewhere, Saint Martin's lost the final game of a four-game series at Cal Poly Pomona losing 9-1 to the Broncos. Central Washington split a doubleheader with Puget Sound, losing the first game 12-11 after trailing 12-0 and then winning the nightcap 9-6.

Dillard helped stake Western Oregon to a 3-0 lead in the second inning of their opener, driving in the game's first run with a single and then scoring on a single by Joe Pratt, one of two hits for him in the game. A passed ball brought in the third run.

WOU got another run in the eighth on another single by Dillard. As it turned out, it was a run the Wolves needed as Sonoma scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth on a single by Kyle Jones.

However, reliever Jesse Nunley, after walking a batter to load the bases, struck out Ryan Stevens to save the game for starter Michael Ward, who allowed just four hits and one run in six innings.

In the second game, left fielder Devon Bouvier doubled for a run in the third, which was enough support for Pettit, who walked two and struck out three before Dustin Fulks finished up allowing one hit in the final two innings.

The Wolves added three insurance runs in the fifth as Cesar Lopez doubled for one run and Garrett Breda followed up with a two-run blast. Dillard completed the scoring with a solo shot in the sixth.

Cal Poly Pomona 9, Saint Martin's 1

The first three games of the series were all decided by one run and this was close as well until the Broncos broke it open with a five-run seventh.

Erik Riedel had a two-run double in the frame and then tripled for two more runs to complete the scoring in the eighth as Pomona won the series 3-1.

Saint Martin's scored its lone run in the second on a ground out by Luke Abbott, but managed just five hits off of starter Geoff Broussard in seven innings (plus one more off a reliever in the eighth).

Third baseman Josh Grenier had three of the hits and scored the lone run as the Saints fell to 1-6 on the season.

Puget Sound 12-6, Central Washington 11-9

Central Washington overcame a 4-1 to win the nightcap 9-6 after nearly overcoming a 12-0 deficit in the opener.

Down 12-2 in the seventh the Wildcats got seven runs - two on a home run by New Mexico State transfer Jake Hammons and two on a single by second baseman Keola Rubin.

CWU then took advantage of a pair of errors in the ninth to score runs on a single by Hammons and an error before the Loggers finally got the final out.

Hammons ended the game with four hits and four RBI and got the final two outs on the mound, combining with two other pitchers to shutout UPS over the final five innings. Michael McCanna, the first of the three, pitched three hitless innings.

Central had 18 hits in the contest, including two each by first baseman Kevin Schneider, third baseman Sean Murphy, Rubin and left fielder Anthony Sanelli.

Left fielder Chance Plutt had a pair of home runs and freshman Hayden Rovegno spun a two-hitter in his collegiate debut in the nightcap earning the Wildcats a split of the four-game series.

Rovegno walked three and struck out five. UPS, however, took advantage of five CWU errors, including three by Rovegno himself, to score six unearned runs.

Plutt, however, bailed out the Wildcat defense, homering for two runs in the second and two more in the fourth to pull CWU within 6-5. The 'Cats then won it in the fifth, getting the tying run on a single by Rubin and the go-ahead run on a fielder's choice RBI by Kelly Gau.

The 'Cats then added two more runs on an error and a single by pinch-hitter Nate Wallen.

February 13

Saints, Wildcats Earn Splits

Saint Martin's split a pair of one-run decisions with Cal Poly Pomona in a NCAA West Region baseball doubleheader at Pomona, Calif. Saturday.

The Broncos won the first game 12-11, scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth. Michael McIver, however, scattered eight hits in the nightcap and Aaron Johnson hit a pair of solo home runs as SMU (1-5) grabbed a 4-3 victory.

Meanwhile, Central Washington split a pair of games with Puget Sound. After the Loggers won the opener 7-5, the Wildcats posted a 4-1 victory in the nightcap.

McIver didn't allow a walk and fanned three as Saint Martin's ended a five-game losing streak. Johnson had solo home runs in the first and sixth. SMU's other two runs came on a single in the third by Travis Jones.

In the opener, the Saints scored four runs in the eighth, one on a walk and three on a bases-loaded double by Blaine Evans to grab an 11-9 lead. But, the Broncos got a three-run home run by pinch-hitter Jordan Alcantar in the bottom of the ninth to win it.

Jake Millbauer allowed just two hits in 5 2/3 innings in pitching CWU to its victory. Palmer Brown earned a save allowing one hit in 1 1/3 innings.

CWU scored three runs in the first, two on a single by catcher Jake Hammons and one on a double by Skyler Schiller. The Wildcats also scored in the fifth on an infield single by Evan Churlin.

In the opener, Puget Sound broke a 5-5 tie, getting home runs from Mark Cox and Devin Black to begin the ninth.

Hammons, Brett Bielec and Nate Wallen all had four hits to lead CWU in the doubleheader.

February 12

Saints Lose Lead, Game to Pomona

Saint Martin's built a 4-0 lead, but Cal Poly Pomona scored twice in the seventh and once in the 10th on a miscue to pull out a 6-5 win in a NCAA West Region baseball game at Scolinos Field.

In the 10th, a hit batter, sacrifice and intentional walk set up a first and second situation. Marcus Makia then bounced into a force at shortstop and pinch-runner Jordan Hinshaw scored all the way from second when the relay throw eluded SMU first baseman Michael McIver.

Kalen Wilson was the hard-luck loser, despite allowing just one hit in 3 1/3 innings of relief. He didn't walk a batter and fanned four.

Three players - right fielder Aaron Johnson, DH Travis Jones and third baseman Josh Grenier - accounted for 10 of the Saints' 12 hits.

Johnson was three for four including a leadoff double to ignite a three-run third inning and a solo home run in the seventh. Among Jones' four hits was a RBI single in the first and a single in the third. Grenier singled for SMU's final run in the third inning.

The Broncos were led by catcher Jensen Torrez, who homered for two runs in the sixth to pull CPP within 4-3. A RBI single by Travis Taikeron and a bases-loaded hit batter tied the game one inning later.

February 11

Wolves Lose Seventh Straight

Chad Lynch walked three straight batters in the bottom of the eighth to force in the go-ahead run as Western Oregon suffered its seventh straight loss falling to Sonoma State 8-7 in the opening game of a four-game series Thursday at Rohnert Park, Calif.

The teams will play another single game Friday at 2 p.m. before completing the series with a double Saturday. Originally the series was scheduled to begin Friday but was moved up a day because of a threat of rain.

WOU had rallied from a 7-3 deficit to tie the game, getting two runs in the seventh and two in the top of of the eighth.

But, Lynch gave up a one-out single to Max Shupe, then following a bunt, he issued consecutive walks to Brian Wright, Joey Parigi and Steven Filippi to force in a run.

In the top of the ninth, WOU put runners on second and third before Joey Van Cleave came on to strikeout Logan Lotti to preserve the win.

Lotti figured in four of WOU's runs scoring three times and driving in two. One of his RBIs was himself as he homered for a pair of runs in the third. Cesar Lopez also homered leading off the game.

The Wolves had 12 hits, three by Kyle Boe and Garrett Breda and two each by Lopez and Grant Glover. Cameron Cook and Kyle Jones had three hits each for Sonoma which also had a dozen safeties.

February 9

NNU Earns Series Split With Hilo

Northwest Nazarene built an 11-2 lead and then held on to defeat Hawaii Hilo 12-7 Tuesday in the final game of a NCAA Division II West Region six-game baseball series at Francis Wong Stadiun in Hawaii. The teams ended up each winning three games in the series.

Elsewhere Cal Poly Pomona used a pair of three-run first innings to defeat Western Oregon, 6-2 and 6-3 at Pomona. The losses dropped the Wolves to 0-6 on the season. The Broncos are now 3-2.

Zeb Sneed, who evened his record at 1-1, pitched the first five innings for NNU, allowing four hits and one run. He left with a 4-1 lead after the Crusaders scored three runs with two out in the top of the sixth on a single by designated hitter Kramer Uvila and a pair of wild pitches.

NNU added three more runs in the seventh and four in the eighth before UHH rallied for five in their half of the eighth. The Crusaders, however, tacked on an insurance run in the top of the ninth and J.T. Brodrick got the final three outs in the bottom of the inning to secure the win.

Catcher Connor Rankin and centerfielder Sean McDonald each had three RBI to pace NNU offensively. Ty Windall (two singles), Rankin (two doubles) and McDonald (triple, single) had two hits apiece.

In the opener at Pomona, Jenzen Torres' three-run home run provided starting pitcher Kevin Bosson all the runs he needed in Cal Poly Pomona's victory. Bosson pitched the first seven innings blanking Western Oregon on four hits.

Western Oregon scored its only runs in the ninth on a ground out by Devon Bouvier and a single by Garrett Breda. Grant Glover and Kyle Boe each had two hits for WOU.

In the second game, which was shortened to five innings because of rain, Pomona put together four hits for three runs in the first. Torres and Tyson Edwards led CPP with two hits each.

WOU managed just three hits in the contest, including a single by Brad Verstegen. Its other two runs scored on a ground out and a hit batter with the bases loaded.

WOU returns to California this weekend for a four-game series with Sonoma State.

February 8

Tritons Complete Sweep of Western Oregon

Brandon Gregorich had a double and home run and drove in five runs as UC San Diego pounded Western Oregon 19-5 completing a four-game sweep of the Wolves Monday at Triton Ballpark in La Jolla, Calif.

In Hawaii, Hawaii Hilo scored four unearned runs in the third to defeat Northwest Nazarene 6-3. The Vulcans now lead the six-game series 3-2.

UCSD scored five runs in the third and nine in the fourth on the way to a 15-0 lead against WOU. Starter Kirk Lind gave up 11 hits and 10 runs in three plus innings.

WOU, which plays a pair of games Tuesday at Cal Poly Pomona, scored all five of its runs in the fifth as Logan Lotti and Cesar Lopez each hit two-run home runs in the inning. Five relievers, however, held WOU to two hits over the final four innings.

Northwest Nazarene outhit UHH 12-8, but two errors in the third cost Jon Keller his first loss of the season. Keller allowed four hits during his three-inning stint.

NNU, which scored a single run in the first on a single by Keller, cut its deficit to 4-3 in the fifth on another RBI hit by Keller and a sacrifice fly by Ryan VanBeek.

The Crusaders, however, were shutout over the final four innings. Tyler Simao pitched three scoreless innings. Sheldon Otsuka pitched the ninth to save it for starter Aaron Correa, who allowed seven hits in five innings.

Ty Windall led NNU's attack with four hits. Keller and Connor Rankin had three each as the top four hitters in the lineup went 10 for 19. The series concludes Tuesday with another single game.

February 7

Wolves Swept by UC San Diego

UC San Diego rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth to beat Western Oregon 5-4, then completed the sweep with a 6-1 win in the nightcap in a NCAA West Region baseball doubleheader against the Wolves Sunday at Triton Ballpark.

UCSD has won the first three games of the series that concludes Monday with a single game.

Reliever Cam Nobles gave up a single and hit batter to start the ninth. Brad Carter then replaced Nobles on the mound. An error on a bunt by Carter loaded the bases, then Danny Susdorf's sacrifice fly tied the game.

After an intentional walk reloaded the bases, Carter hit Robert Sedin with a pitch to force in the winning run.

After trailing 3-1, Western Oregon had taken the lead with a single run in the seventh on a single by shortstop Cesar Lopez and two in the eighth on an error and wild pitch.

In the second game, UCSD jumped to a 3-0 lead in the second on a two-run home run by catcher Michael Benton and an error. WOU scored its lone run in the third on a RBI ground out by Daniel Dillard.

The Wolves had just 10 hits in the twinbill, three by Lopez and two by Dillard.

Saint Martin's Shutout 7-0 by Pacific Lutheran

Scott Wall allowed just four hits in seven innings and struck out nine in pitching Pacific Lutheran to a 7-0 shutout of Saint Martin's as the Lutes completed a sweep of a three-game weekend series.

Bret Handy pitched the final two innings allowing one hit. Pacific Lutheran, meanwhile, banged out 16 safeties off three Saint hurlers.

Shortstop Sammy Davis led the Lutes with three hits. Dan Johansen and Josh Takayoshi each had two RBI as PLU scored twice in the third, fourth and sixth before adding a single run in the eighth.

February 6

Crusaders Even Series With Vulcans

Northwest Nazarene broke open a 2-2 tie in the top of the eighth inning, scoring five runs on the way to a 7-3 NCAA West Region victory at Hawaii Hilo Saturday.

Elsewhere Saint Martin's dropped a pair of home games to Pacific Lutheran, losing 12-5 and 8-3 to the Lutes.

Western Oregon's doubleheader with UC San Diego was rained out. The teams will resume the four-game series with a twinbill Sunday.

The Crusaders (2-2) evened the six-game season-opening series with UHH, which will resume Monday, at 2-2.

NNU produced 10 hits on the day, led by Niko Hawes, Greg Christensen, and Conner Rankin, who each had two. Rankin led NNU with three RBI.

The five-run eighth featured a two-run double by Rankin and a two-run home run by Joel Oliver. The first run of the inning scored on an error.

Zach Morse (1-0) earned the win, allowing just one run and four hits over the final three innings. Starter Charles Pollock posted seven strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

Keoni Manago led the Vulcans with two hits. Cody Barrett had two RBI. UHH starter Dan Hennigs (0-1) took the loss, surrendering four earned runs through seven innings.

At Lacey, Pacific Lutheran outhit Saint Martin's 29-21 in sweeping the Saints.

In the opener, center fielder Ryan Aratani had three hits and four other players had two to lead the Lutes. Andrew Elke, Travis Jones and Josh Grenier each had two for the Saints.

Grenier had a two-run single in the fifth to give SMU a 3-1 lead, but PLU scored six runs in the sixth, three in the seventh and two in the eighth.

In the second game, Pacific Lutheran jumped to an early 6-0 lead scoring twice in the first, three times in the second and once in the third.

SMU cut the deficit in half getting a RBI single by Michael McIver in the fourth and a two-run single by Andy Cole in the fifth, but PLU added two insurance runs in the sixth.

February 5

WOU's Keitzman Suffers First Loss

Blake Keitzman, who went 9-0 last season, was touched up for 11 hits and eight runs in three innings as Western Oregon suffered a 12-6 loss to third-ranked UC San Diego Friday at Triton Ballpark.

In Hawaii, Hawaii Hilo scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth to pull out a 12-8 win over Northwest Nazarene. The Vulcans now lead the six-game series 2-1.

The Tritons led off the bottom of the first with back-to-back home runs by Vance Albitz and Robert Sedin and went on to score six runs in the inning. Albitz had four hits as UCSD pounded out 15 safeties.

Newcomers Daniel Dillard, from Pierce Community College, and Andrew Irvine, a transfer from Loyola Marymount homered for the Wolves. Dillard had three hit and two RBI. Irvine and Kyle Boe also drove in two runs each.

A one-out outfield error opened up the floodgates for Hawaii Hilo in its win. After the error, NNU got the second out of the inning, but UHH then got an infield RBI single from Trias Ronel, a two-run double by Keoni Monago, an RBI single by Shane Kessel and a two-run double by T.J. Pilla.

Kessel and Pilla each drove in four runs to key the win. Jon Keller led the Crusaders with three hits, including a solo home run to lead off the seventh.

February 4

Crusaders Divide Twinbill With Hawaii Hilo

Ryan VanBeek's two-run single in the top of the ninth snapped a 4-4 tie and Northwest Nazarene went on to score four runs in the inning as the Crusaders beat Hawaii Hilo 8-4 in the nightcap of a baseball doubleheader in Hilo Thursday.

The Vulcans won the first game 2-1 as the two NCAA Division II West Region schools opened their respective seasons by dividing the doubleheader. The games are the first two of a six-game series.

NNU led 4-1 after an inning and a half, but UHH got single runs in the third, sixth and seventh to tie the game. But in the ninth, Greg Christensen and Spenser Lind started the inning with singles. After a sacrifice bunt by Joel Oliver, VanBeek put NNU ahead 6-4 with his base hit.

A walk, two wild pitches and a RBI ground out by Tyler Nicholson resulted in a pair of insurance runs for Sean McDonald, who pitched the final two innings allowing two hits and no runs to get the win.

NNU had 10 hits in the game including two each by Ty Windall, Christensen and starting pitcher Jon Keller. Keller and VanBeek each had two RBI.

In the first game, Ronnie Loeffler outdueled Zeb Sneed. NNU's Sneed gave up just four hits and two runs in six innings, walking three and fanning seven, while Loeffler allowed just five hits and one run in 6 2/3 innings.

Sheldon Otsuka got the final out in the seventh with the tying run on third base to get a save.

John Hoffman scored the game's winning run in the fifth on a wild pitch by Sneed. NNU's lone run came in the fourth on a single by VanBeek.