PORTLAND, Ore. – LC State bats struggled on Sunday against Corban starter Nate Martin, putting up one run in the first inning in the 2-1 loss. The LC Warriors used six different pitchers in the bullpen game, and all did well with a combined 14 strikeouts and two runs allowed.
No. 3 LC State is now 35-3 on the season and 6-2 in Cascade Conference play.
"Offensively, we struggled to apply any pressure to Corban's defense," Head Coach
Jake Taylor said. "We had some bright performances from our pitching staff, but as a whole we need to be way more effective putting hitters away when we are ahead in the count."
Riley Way continued his hot streak with a single to lead off the game. A throwing error put him on second before a groundout moved him to third.
Aidan Nagle drove in Way with a sacrifice fly to put LC in front, but Corban responded with a run in the next half inning to make it a 1-1 game after one inning.
Bryson Spagnuolo was solid despite the run and finished his day with a 1-2-3 third inning. He struck out a pair in the frame to bring his total to five.
Lucas Gregory came on in relief in the fourth and struck out two in another quick inning.
Drake Borschowa continued the bullpen day for LC in the fifth, and the freshman surrendered a solo shot.
Joe Ball struck out the side in order in the sixth, and
Justin Mazzone threw out two runners in the seventh to help
Harrison Grow to a 1-2-3 inning.
Alec Holmes struck out two in the eighth to keep Corban off the bases, but LC failed to get anything going in the top of the ninth.
LC State pitching allowed only five hits in the contest and walked just two batters. Spagnuolo struck out five in his three innings, Ball fanned three, Gregory and Holmes each struck out two, and Borschowa and Grow tallied one strikeout each.
The Warriors continue the road swing with a four-game set at Eastern Oregon starting Friday.
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