Oregon Tech Gains Split with Patten
03.21.2010
courtesy David Buchanan - Oregon Tech intern
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Oregon Tech baseball team scored in the first six innings of the nightcap, including a seven run fifth inning, while a late game rally fell short against Patten University as the Owls split a NAIA West South Division doubleheader against the Lions today in Klamath Falls.
The Owls fell 9-5 in game 1, but went on to win in game 2 by a 16-3 score. Oregon Tech is even at 14-14 on the season and improved to 8-3 in NAIA West South Division play. Patten University is 6-19 on the year and 4-7 in division play.
Tough pitching from Patten University hurler Michael Nunez made play difficult for OIT in game one today. Nunez went the distance and struck out three. Patten would score first in the 2nd inning off an error in the infield and would hold the Owls scoreless until the 6th.
Some added insurance came to Patten University early in the 5
th, however, as three hits and one sac fly would push three more runs on the board. The Owls managed to pull within two in the 6th inning off a sac fly by Ryson Mauricio and another run off an error. Patten would return in the 7th with five more runs to increase the lead to 9-2.
Down but still hungry, the Owls would rally for three runs in the 7
th, started off with a walk to Mitch Garcia, followed by a single from Cory Spires. OIT's Kory Locken would then punch an RBI single to center followed by a two run RBI single by Colin Stock. That would be all the run support for Tech in the opener, falling by a final of 9-5.
Determined to reclaim their recent loss and remain at an even .500 on the season, OIT would stomp Patten University 16-3 in game two, including a 16 hit barrage.
Although Patten would put the first run on the board, OIT would answer right back with two runs of their own, marched off by a single by Locken. Back-to-back RBI singles would follow from Colin Stock and Garcia, putting the Owls up by one after the 1st inning.
Terrific pitching by OIT starter Frank Charlton would then hold Patten University scoreless until relieved in the 7th inning. Claiming the win, Charlton would pitch six innings, giving up only one run with 5 strikeouts and scattering four hits. OIT would stay active however, tallying 14 more runs by game's end.
Spires would start off the 2nd with a solo homer followed by three singles with the second RBI going to OIT's Trent Smith. Up seven runs going into the 5th, the Owls would practically seal the deal scoring big with 7 runs in the inning. Patten's pitcher would then allow two more runs for the Owls after a balk and a hit by a pitch would bring Locken and Smith home. A three run RBI double by OIT's Cory Staniforth, topped off with Spires second homer of the game capped the 5
th inning scoring.
One more run off an RBI single by Stock in the 6th gave the Owls a 16-1 advantage. Patten added two runs of their own late in the game, but it was the Owls who took the nightcap 16-3.
Oregon Tech remains at home next Thursday at noon against Pacific University.
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