Warriors sweep in debut at Russ Carr

Westmont Baseball celebrated its home opener by sweeping Oregon Tech (2-7) in a doubleheader on Saturday at Russ Carr Field. The Warriors (4-5-1) won the first game 9-2 and then came from behind in the second game of the twin bill to win 5-4.

Torin Shaikh started game one for the Warriors and picked up the win. Shaikh (2-0) pitched six innings allowing one run on just three hits. In 19 innings of work this season, Shaikh has allowed just one run for an ERA of 0.49. Opponents are batting just .200 against him.

The Warriors scored in each of the first four innings and again in the sixth and seventh. Five different Warriors hit doubles as the Warriors pounded the Hustlin’ Owls pitching staff for 18 hits. Oregon Tech starter Dylan Bedortha took the loss after giving up seven runs on 11 hits in three and two-third innings.

Seven different Warriors tallied at least two hits including J.J. Turbin, Tim Leary and Jarratt Rouse who each had three.

In the second game, Westmont fell behind 3-0 without allowing a hit. The Warriors gave up three errors to put starter Geoff Rocha in a hole. Rocha, who did not figure into the decision, pitched four and two-third innings, giving up three unearned runs on three hits. He struck out five and walked three. Mitch Crocker was awarded the win after pitching the eighth inning without allowing a run or a hit. Michael Kwan earned the save.

The Warriors scored in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly to fight field by Thomas Hocutt and again in the fifth on a RBI single by David Pennington. It was not until the bottom of the eighth, however, that the Warriors took the lead.

Coby Cress led off with a single to left field and took second on a sacrifice bunt by Greg Ruggles. Hocutt then grounded out to first, moving the tying run to third with two away. An infield single by Rouse allowed Cress to score.

When Brent Fukushima was hit by a pitch, Steven Motush, who served as a courtesy runner for Rouse, moved to second. A single by William Barring drove in Motush and allowed Fukushima to take second. Turbin then singled up the middle to drive in Fukushima and give the Warriors a 5-3 lead.

Oregon Tech would pick up one run in the top of the ninth, but it was not enough to prevent the Warrior victory. Reliever Daniel Doty was charged with the loss.

The two teams meet again on Monday at Russ Carr Field for another doubleheader beginning at 9:00 a.m.