Corban Baseball downed Lewis-Clark State on Senior Day, 11-4. (Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
KEIZER, Ore. – The Corban University baseball team celebrated senior day with a triumphant victory over No. 17-ranked Lewis-Clark State College, downing LCSC 11-4.
"The seniors sent themselves out in style today with a classic effort and contribution from those that were able to play and pitch," said Corban head coach Jeff McKay. "This senior group will always remember this day. They were true Warriors, and they left an impact on the underclassman that will give good momentum into next season."
After Lewis-Clark State took advantage of a couple of Corban defensive miscues in the top of the first, the senior-led squad responded in the bottom half of the inning with three runs, two coming via sacrifice flies.
The Navy and Gold then added three more in the third, with senior Tyler Reitz delivering via an RBI base knock as the big play in the inning.
In the fourth, Vince Gonzalez came around to score on a wild pitch to push the lead to 7-2, and the lead would stay that way as senior pitcher Tony Davidson was dealing on the mound. Davidson came out of the game in the seventh, but not after six solid innings of work in which he gave up just five hits and four runs, only two of which were earned. He also struck out two in the process.
Coming on in relief for Corban was fellow senior pitcher, Thomas Kerr. Kerr was outstanding, allowing no runs over the course of the final three innings while scattering two hits and striking out two, keeping LCSC from doing any further damage. Kerr earned the save for his efforts.
For good measure, Corban added one run in the seventh inning on a Zach Penrod RBI single up the middle, and then Reitz came through again in the eighth with a two-RBI single through the right side to make it 11-4.
Reitz finished the day 3-for-5 at the dish with a team-leading three RBI. Also with big days at the plate were Vince Gonzalez with a pair of hits and two runs scored, as well as Kyle Kilian coming through with a 2-for-3 showing, one RBI and two runs scored.
In addition, seniors Jackson Smith and Austin Marsh both tallied hits in their final games with Corban, while Benji Liogon recorded an RBI sacrifice fly, as all Corban Warrior seniors left their mark on the ballgame.
"This group will be missed, but they are ready to move into their next phase of life prepared to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ," said McKay. "Go Warriors!"
For Lewis-Clark State, JJ Robinson went 2-for-5 at the dish, while Gunner Buhner also recorded two hits in the defeat for LCSC.
Corban finishes the season with a 14-31 overall record and 8-24 mark in NAIA West Conference play.