LA GRANDE, Ore. — The College of Idaho baseball team opened its weekend series against Eastern Oregon with a thrilling 10-9 comeback victory in game one, but fell short in game two, dropping a 10-5 decision. The Yotes now stand at 2-3 in conference play and 12-5 overall. The two teams will continue their series tomorrow at 1 p.m. MT at Optimist Field.
Game 1: College of Idaho 10, Eastern Oregon 9
The Yotes clawed their way back from a 9-7 deficit with a three-run rally in the top of the ninth inning to secure a dramatic 10-9 win. Connor Olsen delivered the key hit with a two-RBI double, scoring Jace Mahlke and James Hull to tie the game. Moments later, Jack Ingraham singled to center, bringing home Olsen for the go-ahead run.
College of Idaho's offense was paced by Chandler Stocking, who went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, and two RBIs. Ben Gaff added two hits and an RBI, while Caden Casagrande drove in two runs with a clutch single in the second inning.
On the mound, Oliver Massie started strong, tossing five scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. Zaylor Bruegeman picked up the win in relief, shutting down Eastern Oregon over the final two frames.
Eastern Oregon staged a fierce comeback in the sixth inning, scoring seven runs to erase a 6-0 deficit, highlighted by Mario Landeros' solo homer and a two-RBI single from Parker Cumberlan.
Game 2: Eastern Oregon 10, College of Idaho 5
Despite an early 4-0 lead powered by Gaff's three-run homer in the second inning, the Yotes couldn't hold off a late surge from Eastern Oregon, falling 10-5 in the second game.
Eastern Oregon exploded for five runs in the eighth inning, breaking a 5-5 tie. Greyson McDaniel homered to spark the rally, and Trevor Baker and Mason Van Arsdall each added RBIs to put the game out of reach.
Gaff shined once again for College of Idaho, going 4-for-5 with four RBIs, including two home runs. Cannon Morgan chipped in with two hits, while Hull and Pete Bacon each added singles.
On the mound, Nate Vidlak worked four solid innings, allowing three runs on six hits with five strikeouts. Dawson Cummins took the loss in relief.
The series concludes tomorrow, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. MT at Optimist Field in La Grande, Oregon.
