Saints men only drop one at season opening tournament

In their first outing since last year’s runnerup finish at the NWAACC tournament, MHCC’s baseball team didn’t disappoint.

Going 3-1 over the weekend in doubleheaders Saturday and Sunday versus the Edmonds Tritons gave the Saints a bright outlook for the season.

The first game finished 7-5 in favor of the Tritons, who capitalized on a five-run fifth inning and held their lead until game’s end.

Saints freshman first baseman Dakota Farmer drove a ball out of the park and freshman Logan Grindy contributed a 4-for-5 day at the plate, but their performances weren’t enough to bring MHCC back.

MHCC sophomore Eric Huson started the game on the mound and pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing five earned runs while striking out three Triton batters.

Huson earned a no-decision, while freshman pitcher Ian Ence took the loss, giving up the deciding run late in Saturday’s first game, his only run allowed in three innings of work.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Saints rallied from a 4-1 deficit after seven innings.

Piling on five runs in the bottom of eighth, MHCC took a lead they wouldn’t give up, to win 6-4. Sophomore Jon Bjorklund tossed six solid innings, punching out six Edmonds hitters while giving up one earned and one unearned run in his time on the bump.

Freshman Michael McCall would finish the final three innings on the rubber to earn the win for the Saints, allowing two earned runs while striking out three.

Sophomore catcher Marcus Blackmon led the Saint offense, hitting 2-for-3 and driving in one run. Blackmon was one of six MHCC hitters with an RBI; the others were Grindy, sophomore Hunter Weiss, and freshmen Kendall Main, Cole Hamilton and Jon Wellborn.

Sunday’s action brought home two wins for MHCC as they were able to sweep the doubleheader. Game One was a high-scoring affair, and a 10-7 Saint victory.

Transfer Brandon Williams started the game for MHCC, allowing six runs (three unearned) in four and a third innings pitched with five strikeouts.

After Mt. Hood took a three-run lead in the second inning, the offense poured in for both squads. Edmonds scored five in the top of the fifth to take a 6-3 lead.

But, the Saints scored two each in the sixth and seventh innings to seize the advantage.

Freshman Zane Bambusch relieved Williams for three and two-thirds innings, only allowing one run and gaining the win. Bambusch set the stage for freshman Joe Piercey to come in for the save.

Game Two Sunday was a true pitcher’s duel, as the only run of the game came on an RBI single in the first inning by Saints’ sophomore outfielder Shea Coates. Clint Burris, the right-handed freshman starter, went six strong innings, recording nine K’s and giving up no runs in the 1-0 MHCC win.

Freshman Myles Richard came in for his first save of the season, striking out one Triton batter in his only inning of work.

Taking their 3-1 record south, the Saints will head to Nevada next week for a pair of doubleheaders, on March 15 and 16.

They will play national powerhouse Western Nevada College, former home of one of MLB’s bright young stars, Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals.