Red Hawks Outscore Bearcats, 14-7, in Final Game of Series

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

REDDING, CALIF. -- Simpson University scored four runs in the sixth inning and five runs in the seventh to pull away from Willamette University on Sunday, Feb. 12, as the Red Hawks defeated the Bearcats, 14-7, in the final game of a four-game series. The Red Hawks held a slim 4-3 lead before putting together the two-inning outburst.

Simpson, which competes in the NAIA, won three of four games during the series to improve to 7-5 on the season. Willamette, which competes in NCAA Division III, moved to 1-3 after opening the season with the weekend series.

Sky Kelley (Jr., RF, Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) and Andrew Wilson (Fr., LF, Granite Bay, CA/Granite Bay HS) each hit a home run for the Bearcats. Kelley smacked a two-run shot down the left field line to drive in the first runs in Willamette's three-run fourth inning. Wilson belted a grand slam in the eighth inning for his first collegiate home run.

The Red Hawks produced the game's first four runs in the bottom of the second. Daveron Ross began the inning with a ground-rule double to right field. He moved to third when Matthew Alton hit into an error at second base, and then scored on a single by Chuck Matthey. Graig Lonergan added an RBI single and Kris Warner brought in the final run with a sacrifice fly to right field.

Sparked by Kelley's two-run homer, the Bearcats cut the lead to one run in the top of the fourth.

Tyson Giza (Jr., CF, Salem, OR/Sprague HS) opened the stanza with a single to left field and scored on the home run. Tiras Koon (Fr., C/DH, Honolulu, HI/Iolani School) followed Kelley with a walk. One out later, Brandon Chinn (So., 1B, Salem, OR/Sprague HS) also walked. Koon crossed the plate when Tosh Semlacher (So., UTIL, Gold River, CA/Jesuit HS) singled to center. Back-to-back fly outs ended the threat.

Simpson took an 8-3 lead in the sixth. The Red Hawks earned four hits during the stanza, including a leadoff single by Angel Martin followed by a double from Garrett Barnett. Alton drove in both runs with a single. Later in the inning, Lonergan hit into an RBI groundout to second and Warner drove in the fourth run with a single.

The Red Hawks followed up with five runs in the bottom of the seventh. Marti, Barnett and Matthey hit singles and later scored during the inning. Warner drove in the final two runs with a double to right center.

Wilson's grand slam provided Willamette with a boost in the top of the eighth. Three walks set the bases for Wilson, as Galen Duff (So., IF, Spokane, WA/Gonzaga Prep), Chinn and Semlacher received free passes to first. The Red Hawks registered three consecutive outs to prevent WU from scoring additional runs.

The game's last run was scored by Marti in the bottom of the eighth. He singled to open the stanza and scored two batters later when Ross hit into a fielder's choice.

Marti finished the game 3 for 5 with three runs scored for Simpson. Barnett also went 3 for 5 and scored twice. Matthey was 2 for 5, drove in two runs and scored two runs. Ross earned just one hit in three at bats, but also walked twice and scored three runs for the Red Hawks.

Giza, Kelley and Duff each went 2 for 4 at the plate for Willamette. They also scored one run apiece. A total of seven Bearcats registered at least one hit, but Simpson claimed a 13-10 advantage in hits overall.

Simpson starting pitcher Matthew Hart picked up the win. He went six complete innings and gave up seven hits and three runs. He achieved three strikeouts and allowed four walks. WU starter Tyler Olson (Fr., RHP, Yuba City, CA/Yuba City HS) received the loss. He threw into the sixth inning and recorded four strikeouts.

Willamette will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 18, with a doubleheader against the College of Idaho. First pitch in Caldwell, Idaho, is set for 12 p.m. (MST). The teams will conclude the series with a doubleheader on Sunday, Feb. 19, starting at 12 p.m. (MST).