Seattle University received a stellar pitching performance from starter Bryan Dalton (Vancouver, Wash.) along with solid defense, but Santa Clara clawed its way back from a two-run deficit to force extra innings and eventually pull out a 3-2 victory over the Redhawks Wednesday afternoon at Bannerwood Park.
Dalton faced only two batters above the minimum through the first eight innings, allowing five hits, including a solo home run by Quinton Perry in the eighth inning, and one walk. The Redhawk defense turned three double plays, plus a strikeout/caught stealing combination, to keep the Broncos from putting together a serious threat.
In the top of the ninth inning, Justin Viele led off with a double over the third base bag and down the left field line. He advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored the game-tying run on a single up the middle by Lucas Herbst. Eric Yardley (Richland, Wash.) came on in relief of Dalton and allowed a single by Matt Ozanne. Eventually the Broncos had runners on second and third with two outs, but Yardley induced a groundout to keep the game tied at 2-2.
Neither team put a runner on base again until the top of the 11th inning, when Viele led off with a single and stole second base. Greg Harisis drew a walk, and Herbst's groundout advanced the runners to second and third with one out. Ozanne was intentionally walked to set up a force at every base, but a ground ball to shortstop hit by Pat Stover was too slow for the Redhawks to successfully turn the double play, allowing Viele to score the go-ahead run.
Seven different pitchers were used by Santa Clara, with Paul Twining, a native of Shoreline and a graduate of Seattle Prep, pitching the final four innings to perfection to earn the victory. He struck out four Redhawk batters to allow the Broncos to complete their comeback and sweep the midweek series.
With two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, Nick Latta (Tacoma, Wash.) laid down a successful bunt single, and Bronco pitcher Chris Heckert's throw sailed down the right field line, allowing Latta to advance to second base. Bryndon Ecklund (Elma, Wash.) followed with a single to center field, and Latta slid into home plate ahead of the throw to give Seattle U a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Redhawks increased the lead to 2-0 when Marcelino Morales (Pasco, Wash.) walked, stole second base, and scored on a single by Ryan Somers (Sammamish, Wash.). Seattle U had two runners on base with one out, but Santa Clara turned the first of its two double plays to end the threat and stay within striking distance.
For the first time this season, someone other than Trent Oleszczuk (Beaverton, Ore.) was in the leadoff spot in the batting order, as Morales went 2-for-3 with two walks, a stolen base, and a run scored. Oleszczuk also played shortstop for the first time this year, earning four putouts and four assists without making an error. Latta played second base, also collecting four putouts and four assists to go along with a 2-for-4 day at the plate, while Nate Roberts (Silverdale, Wash.) led the team with eight assists from third base.
Herbst led the Broncos at the plate, going 3-for-5 with an RBI, while Perry and Viele each went 2-for-4 during the afternoon.
Seattle University (19-19) starts a three-game series against the University of Nevada Friday, May 4, at 6 p.m. at Bannerwood Park. The series continues Saturday, May 5, at 2 p.m., in a day featuring Seattle U alumni as well as basketball season ticket holders, with the final game of the series set for Sunday, May 6, at 12 p.m.