Springfield blanks Corvallis 2-0, snaps Knights winning streak

Tuesday, June 18, Corvallis, Ore. – Tyner Horn was impressive in his debut as a starting pitcher but it wasn’t enough for the Knights as they fell 2-0 to Springfield before a crowd of 1,182 on a pleasant night at Goss Stadium.

A rising sophomore right-hander at Nebraska, Horn (pictured, above) allowed only three hits in four shutout innings. He struck out three and maintained a perfect 0.00 ERA in seven innings over three West Coast League appearances.

However, he was outshone by Springfield left-hander Kyle Larsen, who stymied the Knights on five hits in a complete-game shutout. Larsen threw 67 strikes in 94 pitches, struck out two, did not issue a walk and finished the game in an efficient 2:10.

Corvallis did not get a runner to third base, and only one as far as second base. Kevin Takeuchi’s (USC) first-inning double was their lone extra-base hit; he was the only Knight to advance to second base.

Springfield scored twice in the sixth inning. A HBP, a walk and a bunt single loaded the bases with no outs; one run scored on a sacrifice fly, the other on a wild pitch.

The loss snapped an eight-game winning streak by Corvallis (14-2, 13-2). The Knights had not been shut out since falling 1-0 at Cowlitz on July 9, 2023.

The series continues on June 19 with Lebanon Night. Residents of Lebanon at the game will receive reduced concession prices. Utah’s Colter McAnelly (2-0, 2.07) will start for Corvallis, opposed by Billy Dotson (0-3, 4.39) of Ottawa University for the Drifters.

June 20 is Embrace Baldness Night. The first 50 bald people through the gates will receive a free beanie to keep their heads warm. Utah’s Payton Riske (1-0, 2.13) is the projected starter for the Knights; Kaden Starr (1-0, 7.81) goes for Springfield.

In other team news, Takeuchi was named the WCL Player of the Week for the second time in a row for games played from June 10-16.

Takeuchi reached base 16 times, scored eight times, hit two homers and drove in eight runs, helping the Knights win all six of their games. The San Diego native is a rising sophomore at USC, where he hit .289 in 48 starts as a freshman.

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