LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon baseball celebrated Senior Day on Saturday, honoring 17 Mountaineers prior to a doubleheader against the University of British Columbia at Optimist Field. The Thunderbirds put on a pair of high-powered offensive performances, taking game one by a score of 14-8 and game two, 19-3.
The Mountaineers recognize seniors Parker Cumberland, Logan Valtierra, Rogelio Gonzales, Brandon Taddy, Tyler Balkenbush, Danny Burns, Dalton Jones, Benat Van Hoose, Mathew Carlson, Trevor Baker, Ryan Etzkorn, Will Seslar, Jake Herrera, Shane Sinclair, Sam McCauley, Mason Van Arsdall, and Cade Christopherson during the final home weekend of the season for their contributions to the program.
In Game 1, British Columbia jumped out to a 9-0 lead through two innings, highlighted by a grand slam from Aaron Marsh and solo homers from Russell Young, Trent Lenihan, and Kyle Yip. Eastern Oregon began to chip away behind Mason Van Arsdall, who went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, and Trevor Baker, who added a two-run double. The Mountaineers plated five runs in the seventh, including RBI hits from Baker, Mario Landeros, and Van Arsdall, and capitalized on a pair of balks to close the gap. However, the early deficit proved too steep to overcome.
Danny Burns (3-6) took the loss after allowing 11 runs over five innings, while UBC's Ryan Beitel improved to 5-2 with six strikeouts over six innings of work.
Game 2 followed a similar pattern, as the Thunderbirds scored in six different innings, including a seven-run eighth to seal the sweep. Kellen Bourne led the charge with two home runs and seven RBIs, while Jonny McGill added a 3-for-4 outing with a homer and three runs scored. The Mountaineers struck early on a two-run blast by Van Arsdall in the first and a third-inning RBI double, but were held scoreless over the final six frames.
Reed Stamps (0-2) was tagged with the loss, giving up four runs over two innings. Ryan Heppner earned the win for British Columbia, improving to 7-0 after allowing three runs in seven innings.
Eastern Oregon wraps up its regular season on the road next weekend, facing the College of Idaho Yotes in Caldwell.
