Corban Downs Willamette, 7-2, in Non-Conference Baseball Game

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, Ore. -- Corban University scored two runs in the third inning and four runs in the fifth stanza, as the Warriors defeated Willamette University, 7-2, in a non-conference baseball game at John Lewis Field on Tuesday, March 24. The Warriors advanced their record to 16-15 on the season, while Willamette fell to 16-5.

Chase Swainston went 2 for 4 with two runs and two RBIs for Corban. Peter Martin was 2 for 5 and drove in two runs. Jon Mercer was 1 for 4 and scored twice.

For Willamette, Mason Fessler (Fr., 3B, Woodburn, OR/Blanchet Catholic School) was 2 for 4 with an RBI. Jordan Ramp (Sr., DH, Sherwood, OR/Sherwood HS/Saddleback College) was 1 for 2 with a double.

Willamette starting pitcher Tyler Olson (Sr., RHP, Yuba City, CA/Yuba City HS) threw two scoreless and hitless innings, while recording two strikeouts. He was one of eight pitchers who saw action for the Bearcats.

In the top of the third inning, Jon Mercer of Corban reached first base and second base on a throwing error by pitcher Eland Tsubata (Sr., LHP, Honolulu, HI/Iolani School). Chase Swainston singled to move Mercer to third. A wild throw on a pickoff play allowed Swainston to reach third and brought Mercer across the plate.

The Warriors added a second unearned run later in the inning when Ben Straka grounded out with runners at first and third. Swainston scored on the play. Daniel Orr grounded out to end the threat.

Corban increased its lead with four runs on four hits, a walk and an error in the ffith inning. The first two runs crossed the plate on a double by Swainston. Three batters later, Swainston scored from third when Daniel Orr grounded into the second out.

Rosas, who hit an infield single to shortstop following Swainston's double, scored the fourth run when Martin singled up the middle.

Willamette tallied both of its runs in the bottom of the sixth. Austin Hagarty (Jr., 2B, Roseville, CA/Woodcreek HS) opened the stanza by reaching first base on an error at shortstop. With one out, Gordie Clary (Jr., UT, Vacaville, CA/Vacaville HS) singled through the left side. Hagarty reached second on a passed ball, and then scored on a single by Fessler.

A groundout sent Clary to third and Fessler to second. Jack Brett (Fr., C, Aurora, CO/Regis Jesuit HS) was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and Devin Bales (Sr., LF, Graham, WA/Graham-Kapowsin HS/Grays Harbor College) received a walk to force home Clary. Willamette left the bases loaded at the end of the inning.

Stockton Taylor hit a double down the left field line with one out in the top of the ninth for Corban. He went to third on a single by Orr and scored on a single by Martin.

Zach Tony, the starting pitcher for the Warriors, moved to 1-0 with the win. He threw three innings and allowed one hit and no runs. Daniel Aranda pitched the next three innings for Corban, followed by Joey McCabe and Dallas Broge with one inning apiece.

The Bearcats will take on archrival Linfield College in three games this weekend in McMinnville, Oregon. The Northwest Conference series will begin with two games on Saturday, March 28 starting at 12 p.m. (PDT). Action will continue with a single game on Sunday, March 29, also at 12 p.m.