LEWISTON, Idaho – The College of Idaho jumped out to an early lead, but a late surge by Lewis-Clark State proved too much as the Yotes dropped the series opener, 6–3, Friday afternoon at Harris Field.
The Yotes (19–20, 9–17 Cascade Conference) came out swinging, plating a run in the first on a wild pitch and adding two more in the fourth. Catcher Caden Casagrande doubled home a run, and shortstop Chandler Stocking followed with an RBI single to give C of I a 3–1 advantage.
Starter Nate Vidlak kept the Warriors off balance early, allowing just one run through five innings. However, LC State (25–10, 21–5) capitalized in the sixth, stringing together three runs on four hits to take their first lead. The Warriors tacked on insurance runs in the seventh and eighth.
Despite the loss, the Yotes showed grit. Casagrande reached base three times, while Stocking, Jack Ingraham, and Brandon Faire each added hits. C of I's bullpen held strong in spots, with Kaden Lapp working 1.1 innings in relief without issuing a walk.
Defensively, the Yotes were sharp, playing error-free baseball against one of the most potent offenses in the league.
Games two amd three of the series are set for Saturday, with first pitch at 2pm MT.
