Knights stay perfect in nonleague action with win over Nighthawks

Thursday, July 18, Corvallis, Ore. – Corvallis scored in the 11^th inning to outlast the NW Star Nighthawks 4-3 in their penultimate nonleague game of the summer.

Brandon Cabrera (Lewis-Clark State) was placed on second base and then stole third to begin the 11^th inning. Cole Snidow (Phoenix College) followed with an RBI single through a drawn-in infield to plate the game’s first run since the second inning and end the 3:10 marathon.

The Knights primarily used pitchers as position players from the fifth inning on. And all-star shortstop Ty Yukumoto (Pacific) pitched the final two innings, did not allow a run, struck out three and was credited with the victory. Yukumoto struck out the final hitter in the 10th and the 11th inning with his knuckleball, totally appropriate for what was termed “Knuckleball Night” at Goss Stadium.

Utility Kasen Khansarinia (UCLA) was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and also pitched two scoreless innings to earn co-Washington Park Advisors Player of the Game honors. He shared the award with pitcher Garren Rizzo (USC), who played shortstop in this game and was 2-for-2 with a double.

Corvallis (33-8 overall, 28-8 WCL, 6-3 second half) remained undefeated at 5-0 in nonleague play. The Knights also defeated the Nighthawks on SEA Day back in May.

The Knights return to West Coast League action on July 19 in Game 1 of a series with Bend that will be split between the two cities. The July 20 and July 21 games will be in Bend.

July 19 is Alyrica Cap Giveaway Night. The first 750 fans receive a free Knights cap, courtesy of Alyrica Networks.

Corvallis has clinched the first-half South Division championship and will advance to the West Coast League playoffs for the 17^th consecutive season, powered by Pioneer Connect. The postseason starts on Aug. 10.

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