Knights top Gems 5-2 for their 9th victory in a row.

A two-run, pinch-hit single by Kavin Keyes (pictured) in the eighth inning was decisive as the Knights won their ninth game in a row Saturday, 5-2 over Klamath Falls.

Corvallis (36-17 WCL, 41-17 all) never trailed and stretched its Southern Division lead over second-place Bend to six games. Corvallis has already wrapped up a berth in the West Coast League playoffs, which start on Tuesday.

The Knights scored single runs in the second and fourth innings on RBI singles by Stephen Nogosek and Gus Craig, respectively. A wild pitch and Keyes� single scored three in the eighth to break the game open.

The Gems drew within 5-2 in the last of the eighth and had the bases loaded with one out. However, reliever Colin Feldtman got a 6-4-3 double play to end the threat and he closed out the Gems in the ninth for his second save.

The Knights stole 12 bases to stretch their WCL season-record total to 146. Nick Ruppert, Cody Lenahan and Joe Duffin each had two steals.

Bend lost 5-3 to Walla Walla on Saturday and once again failed to clinch second place and the other South Division playoff berth. The Elks must win Sunday on the series finale to advance. If they lose, Medford finishes second.

Corvallis will open the playoffs at either Bend or Medford on Tuesday. Game 2 is at Goss Stadium at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday; if necessary, Game 3 will be played at Goss at 6:40 p.m. Thursday.

The Knights and Gems conclude the regular season at 5:05 p.m.; righty Stephen Nogosek (1-1, 5.40) will start for the Knights.