Linn-Benton Splits Road Series At Lane

EUGENE, Ore. - The Linn-Benton baseball team got off to a hot start on Sunday visiting Lane Community College but were not able to keep the momentum going into the second game of the double header. The visitors took the first game 10-1 in nine innings, but fell 6-2 in seven innings in game two. Both games were played at the Hamlin Sports Complex on the campus of Bushnell University.

Game 1: 

Starting Pitcher Brody McMullen had another strong start, going seven innings, scattering four hits and allowing just one run while striking out five in the win. However it was the offense of the Roadrunners (23-5-1, 19-5 NWAC South) that stole the show. 

The Roadrunners were led offensively by Bryant Starr who tallied three hits, two RBIs and scored three runs while stealing four bases. Kolten Lindstrom also shined in the game with a two-run home run while recording three RBIs on the day. Brooks Avery had two RBIs in the game as Linn-Benton scored in five different innings and cruised to a 10-1 victory.

Game 2:

The Titans (19-16, 14-13 NWAC South) would strike first in game two, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning, then tacking on two more in the fourth inning. That would be enough for Lane's Declan Francis, who earned the complete game victory pitching seven innings, allowing six hits and two runs while striking out four.

Trailing 4-0 in the fifth inning, the Roadrunners started a rally as Avery reached base on a defensive error that scored Eli Rolfe from third and advanced Conner Boyd to third base. Andrew Demianew would later single to score Boyd, however it would be the only runs of the game for the visitors as they eventually fell 6-2.

Linn-Benton will next host Mt. Hood Community College Thursday, April 24. The nine inning contests at Dick McClain Field are scheduled for 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM start times.