Ryan Rosas tallied a pair of hits on the day for the Warriors. (Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
SALEM, Ore. – The Corban University baseball team played in its first home game of the 2015 campaign on Wednesday afternoon, and the Warriors jumped out to the early lead and never looked back against NCAA Division III foe, George Fox University, ultimately holding on for the 11-8 triumph.
The Warriors got an early lead in the bottom of the first frame, as junior designated hitter Nic Coffman (Portland, Ore.) ripped an RBI double to score senior first baseman Daniel Orr (Kingston, Wash.). Senior left-fielder Peter Martin (Toledo, Wash.) followed with a double to left field to bring home Coffman, and then senior second baseman Stockton Taylor (Brewster, Wash.) tallied an RBI single to score Martin and cap Corban’s three-run inning.
It was senior pitcher Jordan Johansen (Black Diamond, Wash.) who got the nod on the hill for the Navy and Gold on Wednesday, and he performed well for Corban in his first outing of the year, holding the Bruins scoreless through two innings. The Navy and Gold then exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the second frame to pull away from George Fox and push the advantage to 10 runs. Freshman center-fielder Chase Swainston (Nampa, Idaho) displayed some of his quickness in his first at-bat, as he legged out a bunt single to get on base. Moments later, Orr singled to right field to drive home Swainston to open the scoring with the first run of that big second inning.
With the bases loaded in that second frame, Martin notched an RBI single to tally another run, and then Taylor was walked to drive home Orr and grant Corban a 6-0 advantage. Calvert ignited a two-out rally with a two RBI double, and sophomore catcher Jackson Smith (Salem, Ore.) followed with an infield single to score Taylor and extend the Navy and Gold’s lead to nine (9-0). To cap Corban’s explosive inning, sophomore shortstop Ryan Rosas (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) singled to center field to drive home Calvert, putting the Warriors on top, 10-0.
Following George Fox’s six-run flurry in the seventh, junior catcher Braden Wolgamott (Bellevue, Wash.) launched a leadoff double to start the bottom half of the frame on the right foot for the Navy and Gold. With one out, the Warriors took an 11-8 lead after Rosas singled to center field and drove home sophomore Connor Munro (Sherwood, Ore.) who pinch ran for Wolgamott.
Junior pitcher Adam Shumka (White Rock, B.C.) came on in relief for the final two innings for the Warriors, allowing no runs and one hit while earning the save in the three-run victory.
Following the game, Martin talked about the home-opening triumph in a post-game interview.
“It was a good way to start the home season at Warrior Field,” said head coach Jeff McKay. “It was a good offensive attack early in the game, and Peter Martin continues to highlight the offense. Thanks to all of the fan support today, as it was really nice to hear them cheer for us. We are glad we were able to reward them with a win. We look forward to coming back in a week for our conference home-opener.”
Overall, Rosas and Martin both led the way with three hits and two RBI apiece, while Orr, Taylor, and Smith all racked up two hits each for the Warriors.
Corban (13-13) returns to action this weekend for a pair of doubleheaders against Menlo College on Friday and Saturday in Atherton, Calif. First pitch for game one on Friday is set for 1 p.m.