LINCOLN, CA. – Oregon Tech (4-2) found themselves just two outs away from a Friday sweep of the William Jessup Warriors (5-2) but couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. Tech grabbed game one 10-3 before losing on a walk-off three-run home run in the second game.
Following the games, HC Jacob Garsez said: "We certainly set a competitive tone for the day and showed resiliency throughout the day. We simply didn't finish the game. Tomorrow we'll take that next step competitively at the end of close games. Today will be a lesson learned by everyone."
Game One: Oregon Tech 10 William Jessup University 3
In the opening contest of a four-game weekend slate, Dylan Grogan was lights out again, using a solid start to limit the Warriors and give his side a chance to win.
The senior went five innings allowing only one run on one hit while walking three and striking out eight.
When Grogan exited, despite the strong outing, his side still trailed 1-0.
Having been shut out through the first five frames, Tech wouldn't let Grogan's outing go to waste.
OIT plated four runs in the sixth, one in the seventh, and five in the eighth to blow by Jessup for a 10-3 victory.
The Owls offensive outburst was spurred by two Dalton Daily home runs that breathed energy and life into his dugout.
Having stormed in front, Braeden Bellum made his debut for Tech and kept the Warriors at bay.
Bellum threw three innings, allowing no earned runs on two hits while walking two and striking out four.
Grogan was credited with the victory for Tech, as Bellum didn't enter until Tech threw up a four-spot in the sixth.
Roberts was charged with the loss for Jessup, hurling just a third of an inning but allowing four earned runs.
Tech was led at the plate by Dalton Daily, who went four-for-five at the plate with four RBIs and four runs scored.
Game Two: William Jessup University 7 Oregon Tech 6 (7 innings)
In game two, Tech wasted no time in keeping the bats hot, grabbing a 4-0 lead through the first two frames.
The Hustlin' Owls soon expanded their lead to 6-1, finding themselves just two outs away from a Saturday sweep.
Unfortunately for Tech, William Jessup used the shortened game to their advantage, plating four runs in the bottom of the seventh to steal the game out of Tech's grasp.
The comeback was highlighted by a walk-off three-run blast from Gutierrez that saved the day for the hosts.
The loss was credited to Alex Bratton, who threw well but was let down by his defense in his Oregon Tech debut.
The freshman allowed five runs, only one earned, while giving up three hits and striking out two.
Tech was led at the plate by Tyler Horner, who went 2-for-3 with three RBIs.
Oregon Tech will return to action tomorrow when they face off against William Jessup in the final two games of a four game series.
