LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Loggers continue their hot streak against California schools, scoring 13 on Occidental to win their first game of the road trip 13-11.
How it Happened
Puget Sound started off their series in a familiar way, as
Charlie Decker got the start on the mound. Despite giving up a run in the first inning, he kept the next four inning flawless, only giving up a total of two hits, one run, and striking out two. Offensively, the Loggers also got off to a rough start, as
Charlie Deggeller was the only Logger to get a hit in the first three innings, picking up two singles.
Ryan Spero changed the narrative in the top of the fourth, though, as his lead-off single got a runner on base early. A
Cooper Allen double moved him over to third, and
Jim O'Brien grounded out to second to send Spero home. Decker pitched another blank in the bottom of the fourth, as the Loggers began to find their groove offensively.
The top of the fifth inning was eventful.
Jonah Velasco walked to begin the inning, Deggeller singled to move Velasco over, and a
Kellen Krebs four-pitch walk loaded the bases for Spero. He delivered, as an error by the Tigers' third baseman sent in two runs. Allen got his second hit of the day with two outs, singling to right to score Krebs. After the inning was over, the Loggers found themselves up 4-1.
The Loggers continued to add to their lead in the sixth, as an
Armand Lettiere double led off the inning. Velasco moved Lettiere over to third with a sac bunt, and a Deggeller sac fly sent Lettiere home. Despite giving up a run in the bottom of the sixth,
Harley Eschliman went 1-2-3 in the seventh to keep it a 5-2 ball game.
The eighth inning is where the Loggers piled on the damage, as they took advantage of multiple base runners. Velasco got on base via a single, Deggeller moved him over thanks to a fielding error, and
Matt Churchill walked to load the bases. Krebs was able to work a walk as well, sending Velasco home. Spero then singled through the left side, and
Preston Crockett doubled to center to send two more home to make it 9-2. Allen then walked to reload the bases, and Lettiere hit a grand slam to put the nail in the coffin.
The Tigers pulled three back in the bottom of the eighth, and after the Loggers didn't add on in the top of the ninth, they pulled all the way back within two.
Zach Robman battled and got the final out, though, giving the Loggers a 13-11 win over Occidental.
What Happens Next
The Loggers stay in Los Angeles to face Oxy once again, taking the Tigers on in a doubleheader tomorrow, March 7th, at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
