MESA, Ariz. – Eastern Oregon Baseball split the second day of its series with Park-Gilbert University (AZ). Game one saw a late-game surge by the Buccaneers, securing a 9-8 victory. However, the Mountaineers bounced back in game two, earning their first win of the season with a controlled 7-4 performance.
Game 1
Eastern Oregon fell in a tightly contested battle against Park-Gilbert, 9-8, on Friday morning at AZ Athletic Grounds. Despite strong offensive performances, the Mountaineers could not hold off the Buccaneers' late-game surge.
EOU struck early, putting up four runs in the second inning, highlighted by an RBI double from Carson Gerding. The Mountaineers added two more in the fourth and another two in the seventh, capitalizing on a three-hit performance from Greyson McDaniel, who blasted a home run and a triple while driving in three runs.
Park-Gilbert responded with a five-run outburst in the fifth to take the lead. Andrew Allanson and Caleb Rozier each contributed home runs, with Rozier finishing 4-for-6 at the plate with two RBIs. The Buccaneers tied the game in the seventh before a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth sealed the victory.
EOU's pitching staff battled throughout the game. Starter Shane Sinclair threw four strong innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out four. Relievers Reed Stamps and Alex Farnsworth struggled against the Buccaneers' offense, with Farnsworth taking the loss after surrendering the deciding home run.
Game 1 Stats
EOU: 11 hits, 8 runs, 1 HR
Key Players:
Game 2
The Mountaineers jumped out to an early lead, plating two runs in the first inning and adding two more in the third. They remained consistent at the plate, scoring in five of the seven innings. Lucas Smith led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and a stolen base. Matthew Carlson added an RBI double, while Rogelio Gonzales reached base three times, scoring twice.
On the mound, starter Danny Burns earned the win with five strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out four. Reliever Tyler Harper picked up the save, tossing two scoreless innings to close out the game.
Park-Gilbert was held scoreless through two innings before breaking through with a run in the third. The Buccaneers rallied in the sixth, scoring three runs, but could not overcome EOU's lead. Andrew Allanson provided an offensive highlight with an RBI double, while Will Fleece and Diego Bejarano each added a run.
Defensively, Park-Gilbert committed three errors, allowing EOU to capitalize on key scoring opportunities. The Mountaineers played a cleaner game, committing only one defensive miscue.
Game 2 Stats
EOU: 8 hits, 7 runs, 5 RBI, 5 SO
Key Players:
- Lucas Smith – 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 SB
- Rogelio Gonzales – 1-for-2, 2 BB, 2 R, 1 SB
- Danny Burns – 5 IP, 4 SO, 0 ER, 4 H
Up Next
Eastern Oregon will wrap up its Arizona preseason trip with a single game on Saturday against Park-Gilbert at AZ Athletic Grounds. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. AST.
