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Warriors take a win over OIT
By Mark Flores
J-Lab Freelance Writer
In a heated three game set, Oregon Tech took the first baseball victory of the three-game series on Friday, March 8 in an extra innings contest, leaving the Warriors looking to the following day for a much needed response.
Not wasting any time, Corban came alive seeing Nate Hiebert draw an opening inning walk. Only a batter later, he was driven home by a double, courtesy of Daniel Flores.
Two innings later, the home crowd was treated to the first Warrior home run of the year, sent over the fence by Jamie McGraw. With a two-run lead, Warrior pitcher Jason Braun went to work striking out five OIT batters; he did not allow a single run in a complete game effort.
With a win in game number one of Saturday’s double-header, Corban rallied and prepared for the second matchup.Almost a complete opposite beginning from the previous game, the hustlin’ Owls of Oregon Tech struck first, coming off a double by shortstop Ryson Mauricio, scoring teammate Trenton Smith.
Immediately answering back, the Warrior resolve would not be daunted as shortstop Flores smacked a double over the heads of the OIT infield, scoring center fielder Jamie McGraw to give the Warriors a 2-1 lead.
The following inning OIT knotted the score at 2-2 on a fielder’s choice groundout.Warrior starting pitcher Brandon Wolters pitched seven solid innings before being relieved by Derek Stokes with a comfortable 5-3 lead. OIT tied the contest during their last inning at bat, sending the game into extra innings.
The Corban half of the 11th inning rolled around and began with a single to right field via Jamie McGraw, who thereafter reached second on a sacrifice bunt . Warrior second baseman Craig Spicer stepped to the plate and rocketed the ball to center field; McGraw made the turn for home and slid safely under OIT catcher Kenny Simmons’ tag to give the Warriors the victory.
Corban took the series with two wins, improving to 5-7 overall and 2-3 in conference. As a result, pitcher Braun and third baseman Hiebert swept the Cascade Conference Pitcher and Player of the Week awards for contributing heavily in three Warrior wins during the week of play.
