CALDWELL, Idaho - With the stakes rising and the crowd electric at Wolfe Field, the College of Idaho baseball team delivered in thrilling fashion Saturday, sweeping a pivotal doubleheader against Eastern Oregon to officially clinch a spot in the Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament.
In Game 1, it was a pitching masterclass from Oliver Massie and Zaylor Bruegeman that set the tone. Massie threw 7.2 brilliant innings, allowing just one run on three hits, striking out seven. Bruegeman slammed the door in the final 1.1 innings, earning his second save of the season.
Offensively, it was senior Ben Gaff who ignited the crowd. Gaff smashed a clutch 2-RBI triple in the fifth inning, propelling the Yotes to a 3-1 victory. Connor Olsen added a key RBI groundout to cap the decisive frame. While Eastern Oregon threatened late, the Yotes' defense remained sharp, snuffing out any hope of a comeback.
Game 2 brought even more fireworks. After falling behind 2-0 early after a two run top of the second powered by Matthew Carlson's home run, the Yotes stormed back with a relentless offensive attack. Chandler Stocking, Cannon Morgan, and standout designated hitter Trevor Watkins all drove in runs during a seven-run stretch between the fourth and fifth innings. Watkins led the charge with a 3-RBI performance, including a two-run single that broke the game wide open.
On the mound, Nate Vidlak picked up the win with six solid innings, giving up just one earned run and striking out six. Jackson Cummins came out of the bullpen to secure the final nine outs, holding EOU at bay.
Gaff finished the day 4-for-9 with 3 RBIs, including a double, a triple, and a stolen base. Trevor Watkins tallied four RBIs across the doubleheader, and Stocking reached base four times and scored key runs to help fuel the offense.
Up Next:
The Yotes will celebrate Senior Day on Sunday morning! The final home doubleheader of the regular season is set for an 11:00 AM MT first pitch, with the senior class honored in a special ceremony following Game 1. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, bring their energy, and help send off an incredible group of seniors in style.
