Knights comeback win makes league history

Friday, May 29, Kamloops, B.C.  – The Knights made West Coast League history by edging Kamloops 9-6 in 10 innings in the first game using the league’s new extra-inning protocol.

Corvallis (2-0, 1-0 WCL) scored nine times in its last three at-bats to stun the NorthPaws on opening night at Norbrok Stadium. The final, decisive three runs came in the top of the 10th inning, which started with runners at first and second base under the new tie-breaking format adopted in the off-season.

A bunt single by Xavier Rios (CSUN) on which Kamloops threw late to third loaded the bases. After a strikeout, Mark Carpenter (LBCC) drove in the go-ahead run on a fielder’s choice. The final two runs scored on an overthrow on an infield grounder by Joey Marasco.

In the home tenth, Zane Garvey (LBCC) moved from second base to the mound and struck out the side, stranding two NorthPaws to preserve the lead and earn the save.

Second baseman/pitcher Gavin Brubaker (pictured, above) of NW Nazarene pitched a scoreless seventh, eighth and ninth innings to earn the win. He allowed one hit, had four strikeouts and escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth.

The Knights trailed 6-0 heading into the eighth inning, when they used wildness by the Kamloops bullpen to score six times on only one hit. They had four walks, two hit batters, an infield single, a sacrifice fly and an error on an attempted double play to even the game.

Try Swygart (Portland) and Garvey worked bases-loaded walks. Rios was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Brubaker had a sacrifice fly, and the tying runs crossed on an errant relay throw on Carpenter’s fielder’s-choice groundout.

First baseman Chanz Flores (LBCC) had two of the Knights’ five hits. Rios also had two hits, including their lone extra-base knock, a double.

Kamloops rocked starter Matthew Sherwood (PLU) for five runs in the first two innings. It added another run off of reliever Jack Galanida (George Fox) in the fourth inning for a 6-0 advantage.

However, Corvallis shut the NorthPaws down from that point on and stayed within striking distance for the improbable comeback. Lefty Landon Salveson (Utah) pitched two scoreless innings, striking out two and allowing one hit. Brubaker followed with his three-inning stint.

The series resumes at 6:35 p.m. on May 30 and concludes at 12:05 p.m. on May 31. The Knights return home after the May 31 game, and then embark on a six-game road trip to Walla Walla (June 2-4) and Portland (June 5-7).

Their WCL home opener is set for 6:35 p.m. on June 10 against the Marion Berries.

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