Roadrunners Split Doubleheader with Saints

ALBANY, Ore. - The Linn-Benton baseball team used strong performances on the mound to earn a split against the visiting Mt. Hood Community College Saints. The Roadrunners (11-1-1, 7-1 NWAC South) earned a victory in the first game 3-2 in extra innings. The Saints (3-12-1, 3-5 NWAC South) rallied for a late win 4-2 in the second contest, a seven inning game.

Game 1: 

Pitcher Connor Mendez had another stellar start, throwing six innings allowing just one hit, no runs and striking out seven. The Saints' Carson Waples held the Roadrunner offense in check until the sixth inning, when Chanz Flores singled to drive in Conner Boyd to take a 1-0 lead.

A double from Cade Wynn in the top of the seventh inning drove in two Saints as Mt. Hood took a 2-1 advantage, but the Roadrunners would answer back in the bottom of the seventh when Bryant Starr reached base on an error that scored Chase Logan to make it 2-2. The teams would battle into extra innings.

In the bottom of the eleventh, Andrew Demianew singled and then advanced to second base on the next at bat thanks to a Logan sacrifice. Sam Giansante stepped to the plate, and drove a ball into the outfield that scored Demianew and clinched the win for the Roadrunners.

Wyatt Connally was credited with the win after four innings of relief. 

Game 2:

The Roadrunners got off to a good start offensively as Starr singled in the bottom of the first inning, then promptly stole second base. Seth Willy reached base on a fielder's choice then Jackson Fera smashed a double into the outfield, scoring both runners to establish a 2-0 lead. 

Pitcher Jake Von Lubken had a solid outing, allowing no runs and scattering three hits through five innings while striking out five. But after the initial two runs Linn-Benton would not score again.

A double from the Saints' Kyle Slater evened the score at 2-2 in the top of the sixth inning, and then the Saints scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning to take a 4-2 lead to claim the win.

This Saturday's games at Chemeketa Community College have been postponed due to weather so the next scheduled contest for the Roadrunners will be at Umpqua Community College on Thursday March 20, a double header slated for 12:00PM and 3:00PM starts.