KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The College of Idaho baseball clinched the third seed in the Cascade Collegiate conference tournament with a Sunday split against Oregon Tech. The Yotes wrapped up conference play with a 20-17 record. Overall, the Yotes had a strong regular season campaign which is reflected in their 29-19 record.
Needing one win to secure the third seed in the Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament, the Yotes delivered early, powering past the Hustlin' Owls 5-0 in Sunday's opener behind dominant pitching and timely offense.
The series then concluded with a wild, back and forth 11-10 loss in the finale, a game that featured lead changes, chaos and one final punch from Oregon Tech in the bottom of the ninth.
In game three, championship pressure brought out the best in The College of Idaho.
Calvin Euper was electric on the mound, carving through the Owls lineup for six shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out seven. The bullpen followed suit, as
Jakob Cummins and
Zaylor Bruegeman combined to preserve the shutout and complete a masterful one hitter.
Offensively, the Yotes chipped away with patience and execution.
Jace Mahlke delivered the first blow with an RBI single in the fourth inning, scoring
Jack Ryan after his triple ignited the rally. A wild pitch added another run in the seventh before Ryan put the game out of reach with a solo home run to right in the eighth.
Mahlke delivered the final exclamation point in the ninth, lacing a two run single to push the margin to five and remove any doubt. The 5-0 win was equal parts composed and relentless, exactly what was required with the postseason on the line.
With the third seed secured, game four became a test of endurance and pride. The Yotes and Owls combined for 21 runs, five lead changes and tension from the opening pitch to the final out.
The College of Idaho erased multiple deficits and stormed ahead with a stunning five run outburst in the top of the eighth, flipping a 8-5 deficit into a 10-8 lead. RBI hits from
Brandon Faire and
Connor Olsen set the tone before the Yotes capitalized on pressure, wild pitches and mistakes to seize control.
But Oregon Tech delivered one final counter. The Owls tied the game in the bottom of the ninth and then walked it off moments later, handing the Yotes a narrow 11-10 loss in the series finale.
The post season begins May 1, and The College of Idaho will arrive hardened, tested and fully aware of what is required when everything is on the line.
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