Saints sweep Lane; swept by Clark

The Saints (14-22 overall, 11-13 South Region) played in a double-header on Saturday against the division-leading Clark Penguins, coming up empty with two tough losses.

Game One was disappointing for the Saints, who were unable to produce much offense, losing 5-1. Freshman Andrew Reichenbach contributed three hits in four at-bats for Mt. Hood.

In Game Two, Clark got out to an early 5-0 lead in the second inning. Mt. Hood then battled its way back, forcing extra innings, but in the 10th, Clark scored a run to walk away with a 6-5 victory.

Sophomore Mike Travers paced the Saints’ offense, with two hits and two RBIs in two at-bats.

“We continuously put ourselves in position to go ahead. We had runners on second four different times, we just couldn’t get a hit to take the lead,” said Mt. Hood head coach Bryan Donohue on the extra-innings defeat.

The Saints had better luck one day earlier, playing a Friday afternoon double-header against Lane Community College in Eugene.

Mt. Hood was able to take both games of the series,  winning 4-2 and 3-2.

In the first game, the Saints got a quick start, batting in two runs in the first inning. Lane tied the game in the sixth, but MHCC responded with a run in the seventh and eighth innings. Sophomore Jake Azevedo recorded two hits and two RBIs in two at-bats for Mt. Hood. Freshman Evan Jones added two hits and two RBIs in four at-bats.

The Saints started Game Two fast as they did Game One, scoring two runs behind a Cole Hamilton triple. Mt. Hood was able to hold off Lane fairly easily as it cruised to a 3-2 victory.

Donohue had good things to say about the victories over Lane. “It was a fun day to be a part of; we had a lot of energy. It’s not like we were blowing them out or anything, but we just kind of grabbed leads and held onto them.”

He continued, “Two huge wins, big confidence boosters for us to go down there and take two from the first-place team.”

Despite the tough losses to Clark, the Saints still have a chance at making the NWAACC playoffs. With all six remaining games scheduled on their home field, they still have a shot.

The Saints square off against Clackamas Community College (7-21, 6-18 South) on Saturday, with games scheduled at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. On Sunday, Mt. Hood hosts a double-header against Southwestern Oregon.

Next Friday, the Saints finish off the schedule with a double-header against Chemeketa Community College.