Corvallis drops series opener to Bend Elks, 4-2.

Third baseman Cody Lenahan (pictured) singled twice but was the only Knight with more than one hit as they were held to just six hits on Tuesday in a 4-2 loss at Bend.

First baseman Kevin Kline had the lone RBI and shortstop Peter Van Gansen doubled for their lone extra-base hit. The Knights lost the first game of a West Coast League series for the sixth time in seventh openers.

The Elks (13-6 WCL) thus increased their South Division lead over the third-place Knights (11-9 overall, 10-9 WCL) to three games. They also snapped the Knights� two-game winning streak.

Corvallis scored twice in the third inning to briefly take a 2-1 lead. Blake Drake singled, stole second and scored on an overthrow while stealing third. Van Gansen doubled and Kline knocked him in but the Knights would not score again.

The Elks tallied twice in the home half off starter and loser Dylan Hecht to go back ahead once and for all. They added an insurance run in the sixth and relievers David Murillo and Tanner Ring combined for 3.2 scoreless innings to keep the Knights behind.

Ring pitched the ninth for his second save. Gus Craig's two-out single brought the tying run to the plate, but Ring ended the game with a strikeout.

The series continues at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday; right-hander Casey Bloomquist (1-0, 3.60) is the Knights' scheduled starter. Lefty Andrew Naderer (1-0, 1.80) will start Thursday's 6:35 p.m. finale.