Johnson has perfect day at plate in Warriors’ loss at EOU

March 24, 2006

BOX SCORE

LA GRANDE, Ore. –  Sophomore Darren Johnson (Vancouver, Wash.) banged out four hits in four at-bats and knocked in a pair of runs, but Corban’s baseball team couldn’t generate enough offense in losing 7-3 to host Eastern Oregon in the opening contest of a three-game set at Snowflake Field. 

The second-year third baseman came into the game hitting just .239 before smacking a double and three singles and knocking two of the Warriors’ three runs on his way to a perfect 4-for-4 day at the plate for the Warriors. Johnson had RBI singles in the 7th and 9th innings, as Corban was held scoreless through the first six stanzas.

Junior catcher Jeremy Frantz (Medford, Ore.) collected a pair of hits including a 9th-inning RBI double, and senior Brain Nelson (Lebanon, Ore.)  had a single and scored twice for the Warriors. Junior Kyle Myers (Canyon City, Ore.) added a pinch-hit double and senior Josh Gaylord (Portland, Ore.) collected the only other hit for Corban.

The Warriors out-hit the Mountaineers 9-8, but Eastern Oregon capitalized on four walks, one hit batsman, a wild pitch and a two-run homer by Cody Herrick that sparked a decisive 3-run 8th inning for the hosts.

Junior Scott Fitchett (Sandpoint, Idaho) picked up the loss, working 7.2 innings and giving up seven runs (all earned) on seven hits, walking four batters, while fanning four.  Sophomore Derek Stokes (Anchorage, Alaska) completed the 8th for the Warriors without giving up a run.

With his 4-hit day, Johnson – now at an even .300 -- became the seventh Corban player to achieve a .300 or better batting average. The Warriors are currently led by Frantz’s .368 average (21 for 57) and Nelson’s .338 (22 for 65).

Corban drops to 5-11 overall and 1-7 in NAIA Region I play.  Eastern Oregon moves to 6-12 overall and 4-7 in regional games.  Both teams square of in a doubleheader Saturday, March 25th beginning at noon in La Grande.