TUCSON, Ariz. - The College of Idaho rode a pair of quality pitching performances to two victories on the opening day of the Tucson Invitational Games at Kino Complex.
C of I defeated Division III Sul Ross State, 8-4, in the early game, then broke a tight game open late in a 7-2 victory over Indiana Wesleyan.
In Game 1, the Texas school; struck in the second, plating a run on back to back doubles by Emmett Crisp and Chris York, but C of I answered by batting around for five in the bottom half of the inning. Â Zach Fabricius led off with a triple and scored on a Matt Hamilton single. Â RBI singles by Mitch Viydo, Troy Carr, and Chase Miller capped the outburst.
C of I extended the lead in the fourth, as Miller singled home a run and Hamilton lined a two-run single to make it 7-1;
It was more than enough for Markus Lively, who tossed eight strong innings, allowing three runs on nine hits, striking out four for the victory. Â Hamilton was 3-for-3 with three RBI, part of a 13-hit C of I attack. Â Viydo, Miller, and Brady Mooney all added two hits.
:The Yotes used a four--run eighth inning to break open Game 2, C of I had runners at second and third with one out, with Seth Champlin and Viydo rapped RBI singles; Johnny Hyland plated a run with a ground out; and a fourth run scored on a IWU error.
It was enough for starter Kyle Garvin, who threw seven innings of five-hit ball, striking out six. Â Viydo was 3-for-4 with two RBI, with Miller and Champlin each adding two hits.
Brandon Watkins took the loss for the Wildcats, despite allowing just two earned runs in seven innings.
C of I returns to action Sunday morning with games against Mary and Grace.
