CALDWELL, Idaho – A two-run ninth inning erased a late College of Idaho lead, as Saint Martin's earned a 4-3 victory over the Coyotes to take the rubber game of the 5-game series at Wolfe Field.
The Saints (3-5) loaded the bases with no outs off C of I closer
Bobby Wright on a single, walk and a fielders' choice. Steve Sordahl got SMU even, driving in a run on a fielders' choice, while Austin Feist delivered a two-out, RBI double to give the visitors the lead.
SMU starter Mickey Walker was outstanding, allowing two runs on five hits in six-plus innings, striking out 11 batters. Patrick Hoeper got the win in relief, striking out four of the five men he faced.
The game was scoreless into the fourth inning – when Feist got the Division II school on the board with an RBI ground out. A Ryan Colvin RBI fielders' choice in the sixth gave SMU a two-run cushion.
C of I (7-10) answered with a
Dominic Conigliaro sacrifice fly in the sixth and took the lead an inning later – scoring a run on an RBI fielders' choice and another on a
Johnny Hyland sacrifice fly – but couldn't hold the lead.
Niall Manning got a no-decision for the Yotes, lasting five innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with six strikeouts. Hyland and
Hunter Hanson each had two hits for C of I – while five SMU players had two hits.
The Yotes close out their 13-game home stand next weekend with a 4-game series vs. Corban to open NAIA West North Division play.
