Saints Score Winning Run With Two Outs In Ninth
LACEY - With two outs in the bottom of the ninth Alex Bielaski hit a flare into left center that landed just beyond Bo Pearson's diving effort to give Saint Martin's a 7-6 non-conference victory over Pacific Lutheran on Sunday.
Needing a run in the top of the ninth inning to extend the game Jaron Iwakami had an RBI single to tie the game at 6-6. Ethan Ottemiller led the inning off with a pinch hit single. Pinch runner Jacob Olsufka advanced to second on a wild pitch and reached third on a fielder's choice groundout by Ryan Frost. Iwakami's RBI single capped the Lutes comeback effort.
Saint Martin's got to starter Trevor Lubking early scoring three runs in the first inning. Lubking lasted only three innings giving up four runs, three earned and walked four while striking out five.
The 5-4 lead was short lived for the Lutes however as Saint Martin's scored twice in the bottom of the fifth on a two out RBI single off the bat of Spencer Dodd.
Neither team scored again until the dramatic ninth inning.
AJ Konopasi was sharp in relief of Lubking giving up two runs in 4.1 innings of work. Ryan Frost pitched the ninth inning for the Lutes and absorbed the loss. Gates who finished 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI was the only Lute with more than one hit.
