Knights top Sea Dogs in opener

The Knights opened their 10th season in Corvallis with a 10-4 victory over the Portland Sea Dogs before a Science, Engineering & Arts Day crowd of 3,381 at Goss Stadium.

First baseman Roman Garcia (San Diego) singled twice, doubled, drove in three runs and scored twice to lead the Knights in their annual season-opening exhibition against the Sea Dogs, a team of former college players coached by former major-league pitcher Eric Gunderson.

Designated hitter/catcher Andrew Reichenbach (George Fox) complemented Garcia with two hits, two runs and an RBI. Second baseman Mike Kelly (Portland) drove in two runs and third baseman Greg Saenz (Grand Canyon) singled twice for the Knights.

Starter Cody Hoff (Linn-Benton) allowed one hit and had three strikeouts over four shutout innings. He did not go the necessary five innings to qualify for the victory, however, which instead went to Cameron Richman (Portland).

The Knights open their West Coast League season at 6:35 p.m. Friday against the defending-champion Bend Elks at Vince Genna Stadium in Bend. Lefty Trenton Dupree of Washington State is their projected starter. The series continues at 6:35 p.m. Saturday and at 5:05 p.m. Sunday.

The Knights play their first nine games on the road. Their WCL home opener is June 14 against Kelowna, the 2015 WCL runner-up.

Wednesday's crowd was a record for a SEA Day, and the largest non-fireworks gathering in franchise history.