ORANGE, Calif. -- The Loggers conclude their California trip with a 6-5 comeback victory over Chapman, making their way to a successful 3-1 trip.
How it Happened
The Loggers got off to a great start, capitalizing off two errors by the Panther's defense to jump out to a 1-0 lead.
Matt Churchill reached first on an error by the short stop,
Jim O'Brien singled down the left field line, and
Cooper Allen got on base via an error to load the bases with one out. A sacrifice fly by
Jonah Velasco brought Churchill home, giving the Loggers an early advantage.
Preston Crockett got the start on the mount today, going 1-2-3 in the bottom of the first to get off to a great start. The Loggers piled onto their lead in the top of the second, as
Travis Ujimori singled to get on base, stealing second to also get in scoring position.
Charlie Deggeller walked and Churchill got hit by a pitch, loading the bases once again. An O'Brien hit by pitch brought Ujimori home, making it 2-0 after two.
The Panthers piled on the runs in the bottom of the second, though, jumping out to a 3-2 lead. The Loggers got base runners on via a pair of singles by
Ryan Tobler and Ujimori, but they couldn't cash in any runs in the top of the third. Chapman added to their lead in the bottom of the third, and the next three half-innings went the minimum for both teams.
Chapman struck again in the bottom of the fifth, scoring an unearned run to go up 5-2. The Loggers started to push back, though, loading the bases yet again in the top of the sixth. Four straight walks sent a runner home, as the Loggers pulled it back to a two-run game.
After stranding a runner in the bottom of the sixth, the Loggers finally took advantage in the top of the seventh. After the first two batters recorded outs, an
Armand Lettiere single and an Ujimori walk put runners on first and second.
Kahiau Teruya was then hit by a pitch, loading the bases for the top of the order. Deggeller came through, singling up the middle to send two home. A wild pitch then sent
Isaac Fendel home, giving the Loggers a 6-5 lead.
The Loggers pitching took over, sealing the deal in the final three innings.
Micah Shintaku got out of a jam in the bottom of the eighth, leaving two runners stranded.
Braden Blackwell closed out the game in the ninth, as two lineouts to third and a strikeout put the Panthers away. The Loggers take this one, 6-5.
What Happens Next
The Loggers take on projected Northwest Conference No. 1 Whitworth at home on February 28th and March 1st. Saturday's double header features games at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, with the finale at 11:00 am on Sunday.
