By Liam Baker
Eugene, Ore. — After splitting a four-game series against the University of British Columbia, the Bushnell Beacons (6-4) will try and build on a solid start to the season as they take on the Corban University Warriors (3-8) this weekend. The Beacons took the middle two games of the series against UBC, highlighted by a 10-0 run-rule victory in game 2. In that victory, Noah Montoya led the way with 4 RBIs and Alec Gums (2-1) dominated from the mound, giving up just 3 hits in five innings. Jeff Fripp also had a productive weekend from the plate, going 7-14 with 4 RBIs. The Warriors recently got swept by Oregon Tech and the Beacons will be looking to unload their potent offense against a Corban team struggling to get outs.
Bushnell Beacons
The Beacons' offense ranks third in the Cascade Collegiate Conference in batting average (.295) and has reached double digits in scoring already three times this season. Their offense is led by Ethan Stacy and Brandon Reed who are both hitting .400 on the season. In the RBI department, both Cayden Delozier and Jordan Wilson have reached double-digit RBI totals and will look to add to that total against a Corban pitching staff with a 7.51 team ERA. The Beacons have also been one of the best teams in the CCC in terms of pitching and defense. They rank third in team ERA at 5.25 and first in fielding percentage at .976. Relief pitcher Trevor Hammond (1-0) leads the way with a 0.00 ERA over 10.2 innings of work.
Probable Starting Lineup - Bushnell
#8 Ethan Stacy - SS
#34 Jordan Wilson - CF
#35 Cade Crist - 1B
#29 Cayden Delozier - 3B
#15 Brandon Reed - C
#14 Jeff Fripp - DH
#16 Brendan Fraizer - LF
#25 Dylan Carson - RF
#27 Reece Carganilla - 2B
Corban Warriors
The Warriors have lost their last six games, culminating in a 17-0 run-rule loss to Oregon Tech last Saturday. The Warriors have struggled to produce runs this season as they are hitting just .239 as a team (6th in the CCC) and scoring only six runs per game. Scott Artzer has been the team's most consistent hitter with a .335 average and six RBIs. He is also very dangerous on the basepaths with 10 stolen bases on 11 attempts. The rest of the consistent starters for the Warriors have not found the same success at the plate as none of them are hitting above .300. From the rubber, Nate Martin has been exceptional. Over 16.0 innings of work, he has a 2.25 ERA and 16 strikeouts. Preston Johnson (5.74 ERA) has also been solid for Corban but he was recently roughed up for five runs over five innings against Oregon Tech.
Probable Starting Lineup - Corban
#11 Brad Pellkofer - CF
#33 Ryan Clay - SS
#7 Elijah Maris - LF
#10 Kairos Torres-Umi - 3B
#9 Kennan O'Brien - C
#19 Reese Fawley - DH
#3 Scott Artzer - RF
#17 Nainoa Ka'ahanui - 1B
#4 Aidan Bunn - 2B
Prediction
Bushnell is a better team on both sides of the ball than Corban. The Beacons should be able to runners on base with ease against a lackluster Warriors pitching staff. But, they have struggled against better pitching at times and Nate Martin could give the Beacons some trouble. Expect the Beacons to win three out of four this weekend.