Hendrix Scores Four Runs in Sixth Inning, Outscores Willamette, 6-3

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

McKINNEY, TEXAS -- Hendrix College (Ark.) scored four runs in the top of the sixth inning to rally from a 3-1 deficit on its way to a 6-3 win over Willamette University in the season opener for both teams, Friday, Feb. 8 at The Ballfields at Craig Ranch. The Warriors outhit the Bearcats 8-2, as pitchers Jacob Perschke and Kyle Teachout combined for the win.

Willamette's hits were by Tyson Giza (Jr., CF, Salem, OR/Sprague HS) and Sky Kelley (Sr., OF/DH, Portland, OR/Jesuit HS).

Neither team scored in the first three innings, but Hendrix took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth. With one out Collin Radack singled. Brady Newville followed with a ground out, moving Radack to second base. Matt Simmons doubled to drive in Radack.

The Bearcats countered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth. After Tommy Kawamura (Jr., 2B, Renton, WA/Lindbergh HS) walked, Giza recorded his hit, a triple that brought home Kawamura with WU's first run to forge a 1-1 tie.

Giza scored when Tosh Semlacher (Jr., RF, Gold River, CA/Jesuit HS) batted next and hit into an error by the third baseman. Semlacher advanced to second on the play, and later stole third. He scored on a sacrifice fly to right field by Kelley with one out.

The scored didn't change until the Warriors plated four runs on four hits and two errors in the sixth. The inning included doubles by Simmons and Charlie St. Clair. Hendrix added an insurance run in the seventh inning.

Perschke, who started on the mound for Hendrix, pitched five innings and allowed three runs and one hit. Only one of Willamette's runs was earned. Teachout threw the final four innings and allowed no runs and one hit to record a save.

St. Clair topped the Warriors' offensive chart with a 3-for-4 performance. He hit a double and drove in two runs. Simmons finished 2 for 4 with two doubles, a run scored and two RBIs. Radack was 2 for 4 and scored twice.

WU starting pitcher Brandon Simon (Sr., RHP, Los Angeles, CA/Pacific Hills School) tossed six innings. He allowed just one run and four hits in the first five innings, before Hendrix earned four runs in the sixth.

Relievers Shea Harrison (Fr., RHP/IF, El Cerrito, CA/El Cerrito HS) and Jackson Watt (Fr., RHP, Rocklin, CA/Whitney HS) combined to allow just one run and no hits in three innings. The run by the Warriors in the seventh inning was achieved following a walk, a throwing error by Harrison on a pick-off play, and a sacrifice fly.

Willamette will play a doubleheader against Austin College in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Feb. 9. First pitch in the opening game of the twinbill is set for 1 p.m. CST/11 a.m. PST.