MESA, Ariz. –
Dimick Wood struck out seven batters in five strong innings and
Kirby Robertson drove in three runs in his College of Idaho debut, as the Yotes defeated Embry-Riddle, 7-4, in the 2022 baseball season opener at Gene Autry Park.
Wood allowed four singles in picking up the victory, allowing a fifth inning unearned run, tossing 74 pitches.
The senior got all the run support needed in the first five innings. Catcher
Dillon Danner was hit by a pitch to lead off the third, with courtesy runner
Isaiah Castillo moving to third on a
Jonah Hultberg double. With 2-outs, Robertson lined a base hit through the left side, plating both runners, giving the Yotes (1-0) the 2-0 lead.
C of I extended the lead to 5-0 in the fourth, as with runners at the corners, Robertson lined a single to left – with both runners scoring after an outfield error.
Alex McFarland-Smith followed with an RBI single to plate Robertson for the 5-run lead.
Leading 5-1 in the sixth, Hultberg struck again – roping a 2-run, 2-out double to extend the margin.
The Eagles (2-2) were able to scratch across three runs in the eighth, including a 2-run double from Bryson Ho, but
Luke Brewer enticed Calvin Solie to pop up to end the threat.
Closer
Erik Wisenor worked around a hit-by-pitch to work a shutout ninth to pick up the save.
Robertson finished 2-for-2 with a walk and three RBI, while Hultberg went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI in the win.
Both Roberto Garza-Nunez and Carson Ramocinski had three hits for ERAU. Parker Cadacio took the loss, allowing five runs on six hits in five innings, striking out eight.
C of I returns to action tomorrow with a split doubleheader – meeting Oklahoma Panhandle State at 10:30 a.m., followed by Kansas Wesleyan at 2:30 p.m.
