LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Mountaineers showcased a dominant performance, shutting out the Saints 10-0 over seven innings of play in game one. However, they faced a closely contested battle in game two, ultimately falling 7-6. Despite the setback, Eastern Oregon secured the weekend series victory against Saint Martin’s, adding to their success from the previous night and going 2-1 in their home opening weekend.
GAME 1
Eastern Oregon baseball asserted its dominance in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader against Saint Martin’s, securing a commanding 10-0 run-rule victory. Chase Nett continued his impressive form from the previous day, going 2-for-4 at-bat with two runs scored. Trevor Baker made a significant impact with a stat line of 1-for-2, three runs scored, two RBIs, and a home run. Pinch-hitter Tommy Whiles immediately influenced the game by smacking a three-run home run in the fifth inning.
Joey Freitas contributed his 7th RBI of the season with a late sixth-inning single that brought Nett home, and Easton Lasich delivered a standout performance with two RBIs. On the pitching side, Will Seslar secured his second win of the season, allowing just one hit over five innings. Tucker Zander closed out the game with two additional scoreless innings, securing the shutout for game one.
In contrast, Saint Martin’s University faced challenges generating offense. Notable offensive efforts for Saint Martin’s included Schaler, who went 1-for-1 with two walks, and Hollabaugh, who doubled down the right field line in the seventh inning. Justice Yamashita was credited with the loss for Saint Martin’s after giving up four runs in one inning.
GAME 2
The second game of Saturday’s doubleheader proved to be a tightly contested match from the start, with both Eastern Oregon and Saint Martin’s exchanging three-run innings in the first and second. Eastern Oregon initially took a 3-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a fielding error that allowed Nett and Brandon Taddy to score.
Despite Benat Van Hoose being caught stealing, Baker seized the opportunity to reach home for the unearned run. Saint Martin’s University responded in the second inning, leveling the score at 3-3, with McLaughlin’s single and Miyasaki’s double bringing in runs.
The momentum swung in favor of Saint Martin’s University in subsequent innings, highlighted by McLaughlin and Shimabukuro’s RBI doubles, but quickly followed by a Youhyean Choi homer for EOU. The Mountaineers staged a late push in the eighth inning, with Baker’s single through the right side bringing in Nett, but Saint Martin’s University held on for the 7-6 victory.
Eastern Oregon’s offensive efforts were led by Baker, who contributed 2 hits, including a triple and 1 RBI. Choi showcased power with a home run, adding 1 RBI to the team’s total. Nett reached first twice with two walks, eventually finding his way to home plate on both occasions. Saint Martin’s University displayed a balanced offensive performance, with McCorkle leading the charge with 4 hits, contributing to the team’s 10-hit total. McLaughlin played a crucial role in the Saints’ offense, delivering 3 RBIs.
On the mound, Saint Martin’s University’s pitchers, Driscoll, Scott, and McCauley, limited Eastern Oregon’s offense. McCauley earned the win after allowing one run through two innings pitched. Alex Farnsworth was credited for the Mountaineers’ loss, allowing 1 run in 2.1 innings pitched.
The Mountaineers now move to 5-2 on the season, gearing up for their next game against Western Oregon in Monmouth on February 17th.