Naniamo edges Knights in 10-inning thriller

Thursday, July 24, Nanaimo, B.C. – Corvallis lost its first game using the West Coast League’s new tie-breaking rules when it fell 3-2 to Nanaimo in 10 innings.

The game was tied 2-2 after nine innings; using the MLB tie-breaking format, Corvallis started the 10^th with pinch-runner Kellen Segel (LBCC) on second base. However, he did not advance, so Nanaimo started the home half with a runner on second needing only one run to salvage the series finale.

The NightOwls eventually loaded the bases with no outs, but Corvallis got a slick 4-2-5 double play and was in good position to get out of the inning and extend the game. However, a bloop single to short right field on the next pitch plated the winning run.

The Knights (32-14 all, 28-14 WCL, 11-4 second half) saw their three-game winning streak end in the finale of the first-ever series between the clubs. Naniamo joined the West Coast League in 2022 and the teams did not play in 2022, 2023 or 2024.

The game was scoreless until the seventh inning, when Maddox Riske (USC) singled and went to third on an overthrow while stealing second base. Maverek Russell (UCLA) then singled him home.

Russell then scored on a two-out double by Joshua Proctor (Oregon State), doubling the Knights lead to 2-0. However, Xavier Rios (CSUN) was thrown out at home trying to score from first base for the third out.

That play became hugely important when the NightOwls scored two unearned runs in the home half to knot the game at 2-2.

Corvallis had three opportunities to score the go-ahead run in the ninth inning after moving runners to second and third with no outs. But a popup and two strikeouts ended the threat and the game went into extra innings when Mac Zawistoski (Eastern Illinois) retired the NightOwls in the home ninth.

Trey Swygart (Portland) allowed only one hit and one walk over five innings in his first start. He struck out five and faced the five-inning minimum of 15 batters; one runner was caught stealing, the other was erased on a double play. He got a non-decision.

Corvallis was held to five hits after scoring 19 runs while winning the first two games of the series 10-3 and 9-2. Riske had two singles and was the oly player with more than one hit.

The Knights ferried over to Vancouver, B.C., following the game and returned to Corvallis. They open a three-game home series with the Yakima Valley Pippins at 6:35 p.m. July 25.

July 25 is Go Beavs Night, presented by RR Chandler Design-Build-Renovate. Benny Beaver will be on hand, along with OSU players, cheerleaders and coaches, to celebrate Beaver baseball and athletics.

July 26 is Drone Show Night, presented by Pioneer Connect. Make sure to be on hand for the team’s first drone lightshow spectacular; first pitch is at 7:15 p.m.

July 27 is Wilson Motors Night, starting at 5:05 p.m. Stop by the dealership at 5^th Street and Buchanan Avenue in Corvallis to get your free general admission ticket.

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