CALDWELL, Idaho - A six-run eighth inning rally helped the University of British Columbia salvage the final game of a four-game series, defeating The College of Idaho, 13-5, at Wolfe Field.
Tied 5-5 heading into the frame, the Thunderbirds (18-9, 11-5 NAIA West) loaded the bases with one out, with a bases-loaded walk to Brody Hawkins giving UBC the lead for good. Pinch-hitter Gabe Mark followed with a two-run single, Matt Spillman tripled home a pair, and Andrew Firth singled home a run to make it 11-5.
The Yotes (22-9, 8-4) took an early 1-0 lead in the first on a Jarel Lewis sacrifice fly, but UBC used a four-run second to take the lead. The C of I would chip away at the lead, getting two back in the third on a Lewis single and a Tanner Hodges ground out, then manufacturing a run without a hit in the fourth to tie the game.
UBC took advantage of a two-out walk in the seventh to take the lead, 5-4, on a Firth single. However, the Yotes loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning, drawing even as Tyler Andazola scored on a wild pitch.
Conor Smith got the win for the 'Birds, allowing just one run on two hits in four-plus innings of relief. Bartnik went 3-for-5 in the victory, with Spillman, Firth, Hole, Ryan Taylor, and Nick Senior all recording two hits.
Izaac Garsez went 2-for-4 in the loss for the Yotes, as starter Taylor Nicholson got a no-decision, going seven innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out four.
The Yotes return to action on Tuesday, hosting Northwest Nazarene at 3 p.m.