Corvallis opens sixteen-game home stand with 7-3 win over the WCL Portland Ports.
June 18, 2009
Billy Clontz (pictured) of Western Oregon went 3 for 5 with a triple to lead the Knights offense.
Southpaw Ben Guidos of University of Washington turned in a solid performance in his first start with the team. Guidos' outing was the Knights' sixth straight quality start.
Future Oregon State catcher Andrew Susac made his debut a memorable one as Susac threw out three would-be base stealers and delivered the game-winning hit, a bases loaded RBI single.
"Tonight was nice, as far as it being non-league and the guys could get out there and play loose," said manager Brooke Knight. "We got some guys in and had some fresh faces which was nice. Ben Guidos did a nice job out there for us early and we are looking to put it together for the league games."
Neither team could get its offense going until the bottom of the fourth when Corvallis rightfielder Billy Clontz singled through the right side of the infield. In his Knights debut, Oregon State's Carter Bell followed with a single of his own to right advancing Clontz.
The Corvallis base runners advanced to second and third on a Dylan Jones sacrifice bunt. After a pitch hit D.J. Johnson, Susac hit a bloop single to center field scoring Clontz. Bell followed Clontz, scoring on a throwing error by Portland centerfielder Derrick Hough giving the Knights a 2-0 lead.
"This was fun," Susac said. "This is what I came up here expecting. There are a bunch of fans and everyone is into it. I struggled a little bit at the plate, but I'll get into it"
Susac went 1-for-3 with two RBI in his debut.
"He is confident back there and has an exceptional release," Knight said. "Hopefully this is an opportunity for him to get better and swing with wood."
Bell went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and played a solid shortstop.
On the hill, Guidos got the victory with a five-inning, four-hit performance thate featured five strikeouts.
Eric Young of Riverside CC threw a scoreless sixth inning of relief.
Young was followed by Nick Hoover of UC Irvine who pitched out of trouble in the seventh in his Knights' debut.
Right-hander Trevor Smith of Linn-Benton CC surrendered two runs in his one inning of relief, while Santa Clara pitcher Steve Kalush, in his debut, struck out the side in the ninth inning.
Corvallis returns to WCL action tomorrow against Bellingham as Sam Gaviglio of Oregon State gets his first home start for the Knights.
"I heard [Gaviglio] is wherever you put your glove is where he is at," Susac said. "I heard he is lights out, so I look forward to catching him and getting used to him."
You can catch Friday night's game on KEJO 1240 AM. Mike Parker - the voice of the Knights - calls all the action.
