Jordan Williams
The Bushnell Beacons swept a double-header at home against the Oregon Tech Hustlin’ Owls, winning their eighth straight. It was the conference opener for both teams.
Bushnell 8, Oregon Tech 7 at Springfield, OR. The Hustlin’ Owls took a 6-2 lead in the top of the sixth with a two-RBI triple by Patrick Barry. Barry might have been able to go home, but he got stranded on third, costing the Owls a run that became important later. The Beacons closed to 6-4 in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run home run by Jordan Wilson. They got even closer with a solo home run by Dylan Carson in the bottom of the seventh. The Owls got one more run in the top of the eighth on a pinch-hit home run by Jacob Cook, and led 7-5 going into the bottom of the ninth.
The bottom of the ninth started out with a ground out and a walk. Then Will Hudler hit a double, putting runners on second and third. Owls reliever Kaden Melzer struck out Carson, but Carson went to first on a passed ball, and a run scored. Melzer was relieved by Riley Cronin. The next batter, Reece Carganilla, reached on a fielder’s choice; Hudler scored, tying the game.The next batter was intentionally walked, loading the bases. Cronin then walked Max Richards, bringing home the winning run.
Elijah Breault, who pitched the top of the ninth innng, got the win. Melzer got the loss. Hudler finished 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, and two RBI. Ka’ala Tam went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI for the Owls. Box score
Bushnell 5, Oregon Tech 3: This game was tied 3-3 after six innings; the Beacons got a home run by Jordan Wilson, and the Hustlin’ Owls got an RBI single by Patrick Barry. The winning run came in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI double by C.J. Smith, and the insurance run came on an RBI double by Jacob Richardson.
Braden Proud, Kai Keamo, and Garrett Vohs combined to hold the Owls to five hits. Vohs got the win, pitched the final 3 2/3 innings, allowed no runs on two hits, struck out four. Brian McClelland got the loss. Richardson finished 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI. Barry got three of the Owls’ five hits. Box score
