Big Sixth Inning Sends Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Past Willamette, 8-6

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

CLAREMONT, Calif. -- Claremont-Mudd-Scripps scored seven runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to erase a 4-0 deficit and start the Stags on their way to an 8-6 win over Willamette University in a non-conference baseball game on Friday, Feb. 12. CMS evened its record at 1-1 on the season, while Willamette fell to 3-2.

Jack Brett (So., C, Aurora, CO/Regis Jesuit HS) went 2 for 2 at the plate for Willamette. He provided the Bearcats with their first home run of the season on a solo shot in the ninth inning.

Also for the Bearcats, Connor Bailey (Fr., LF, San Diego, CA/Scripps Ranch HS) was 2 for 3 with a run scored, while Tyler Janitz (Fr., SS, Modesto, CA/Joseph A. Gregori HS) finished 2 for 3 with a double, a run and an RBI.

The Stags were led by Jack Witte with a two-run homer that brought in the final two runs during the sixth inning. Four other CMS players each contributed two hits. Deji Andrew was 2 for 3 with a run scored. Evan Opperman went 2 for 4, scored two runs and recorded an RBI. Nolan Anderson was 2 for 4 with a run and two RBIs, while Alex Clemens recorded a 2-for-4 performance with one run scored.

WU put up the game's first run in the top of the second inning. Gordie Clary (Sr., RF/LHP, Vacaville, CA/Vacaville HS) walked with one out. Janitz singled to right field to advance Clary to third base. Bailey followed with a single through the left side, sending Clary across the plate. A pick-off to second and a fielder's choice ended the inning.

In the fourth inning, Willamette tacked on three runs. Mason Fessler (So., DH/3B, Woodburn, OR/Blanchet Catholic School) opened the stanza with a walk. Ty Wyatt (So., 1B, Keizer, OR/McNary HS) doubled to right center to score Fessler from first. Wyatt was thrown out attempting to reach third base.

Clary singled and Janitz doubled to create the second run of the inning. A bit later Janitz went to third on a wild pitch, and then scored when Cole Pursell (Fr., C, Oceanside, CA/El Camino HS) hit into a fielder's choice.

Willamette remained in front 4-0 until the Stags' big inning in the bottom of the sixth. The inning started with a single by Clemens and a double down the left field line by Andrew to place runners at second and third. Clemens scored on a sacrifice fly by Chase Eller. Ryan Motter reached first on an error at shortstop, as Andrew moved to third.

A groundout allowed Mottter to reach second before Opperman singled in Andrew with the second run of the stanza. Nolan Anderson drove in the next run with an RBI single, and then Trey Smith hti a two-RBI double to center field. Witte's homer completed the offensive outburst, giving CMS a 7-4 lead.

Each team added a run in the seventh inning. For WU, Brett singled, went to third on a double by Shea Harrison (Sr., CF/RHP, El Cerrito, CA/El Cerrito HS) and reached home on a groundout by Austin Hagarty (Sr., 2B, Roseville, CA/Woodcreek HS).

With one out in the CMS half of the inning, MacKenzie Menthen doubled and Opperman singled. Menthen was thrown out at the plate following Opperman's single up the middle. Opperman stole second. He scored on a single to right by Anderson.

CMS relief pitcher John O'Malley, who pitched 2 1/3 innings of middle relief, received the win and moved to 1-0 on the season. Brandon Nelson (Fr., RHP, Murrieta, CA/Vista Murrieta HS), who started for Willamette, went 5 2/3 innings and fell to 0-1 with the loss. Jacob Brady recorded a save for the Stags.

Willamette will play Occidental College in a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 13, starting at 11 a.m. (PST) in Los Angeles, California. The Bearcats and the Tigers will play one game on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 12 p.m.