Knights blank Nighthawks before a SEA Day crowd of 3,571

Thursday, May 25, Corvallis, Ore. – The Corvallis Knights blanked the NW Star Academy Nighthawks on a sun-drenched Thursday before an energized crowd of 3,571 at the Knights tenth annual Science, Engineering & Art Day at Goss Stadium, presented by Paventy and Brown Orthodontics.

Corvallis fielded a combination of full-time players, 10-day signees and one-day players against the Nighthawks, a team of junior college and Division III talent based in Ridgefield, Wash.

Both runs scored in the sixth inning. The Knights loaded the bases with no outs and broke the scoreless tie on a sacrifice fly by future Linn-Benton CC outfielder Kellen Segel. A single by Sam Giasante (Linn-Benton CC commit) reloaded the bases and a walk to Keegan Turcott of South Albany High School drove in the second run.

Giasante had two of the Knights three hits. The other was a double by shortstop Ty Yukomoto (Pacific).

Corvallis starter Chance Wallace (Pacific) went four scoreless innings, striking out out four. He allowed a leadoff single and then retired the next 12 Nighthawks in order.

Michael Freund (Umpqua CC, Oregon commit) added four more scoreless frames, allowing two hits. He struck out five, stranded seven runners, and was credited with the victory.

The Nighthawks loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth against reliever Caleb Debban (George Fox) on two walks and a single.  With the sacks full, Debban struck out Dylan Ha for the first out; then Yukumoto (Pacific) snared a line drive for the second out and  doubled the runner off second to complete a game-ending double play.

The Knights are now idle until June 2, when they begin their quest for a seventh straight West Coast League championship by facing the host Ridgefield Raptors in both teams WCL regular-season opener. Their home opener is Thursday, June 15 vs. the Bend Elks.

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