Krahn, McGill, Orfaly lead UBC past Lewis-Clark

White Rock Tritons alum Daniel Orfaly (White Rock, B.C.) started and did not allow an earned run in six innings for UBC to pick up the win against Lewis-Clark on Sunday. Photo: UBC Athletics

March 2, 2025

By Toby Kerr

UBC Communications

Vancouver, B.C - The UBC Thunderbirds managed to split their four-game weekend series against the NAIA No.7-ranked Lewis-Clark State Warriors as they outlasted the visitors by a score of 9-5 at Tourmaline West Stadium on Sunday.

Despite a late surge from the visitors, that saw them put up four runs in the seventh, the home side responded with three of their own in the bottom half of the inning and held on to earn the victory.

"We played three of our best games of the year this weekend, we lost one and then we were able to win two", mused UBC head coach Chris Pritchett. "Our defence was really solid this week, and that keeps us in games. Our hitters were really good with two strikes, so we were making pitchers work. These have been some of the best arms we've seen all year. And I think we stepped up."

Following a quick first frame, the game's scoring got underway in the bottom half of the second. The T-Birds loaded the bases, but with two outs and the bottom of the order up to bat, Pritchett made the call for an early pinch-hitter — and it paid off. Kyle Anderson (Burnaby, B.C.) stepped into the box and quickly made contact, shooting the ball up the middle to score two runs. First-year David Krahn (Langley, B.C.) followed suit by delivering an RBI single that found space in left field, handing his team the early 3-0 lead.

After UBC extended their lead to 4-0 in the third, the T-Birds looked to pile on in the fourth. Already with one out, Krahn came to the plate once more and drilled one to deep left field for a solo shot. Jonny McGill (Richmond, B.C.) was up next and delivered a double to the gap in left. A subsequent passed ball moved McGill to third, and he was eventually brought home on a fielder's choice, handing the 'Birds a commanding 6-0 advantage.

The Warriors scored their first run of the game in the top of the sixth via a bloop single into left field. The run was unearned and the only tally against T-Birds starter Daniel Orfaly (White Rock, B.C.) who went six strong in a quality start. The following six outs were efficient, moving to the bottom of the seventh where the Warriors kicked off the frame by sending fourth-year pitcher Jace Taylor to the mound, who immediately made his mark on the game by striking out the side with a ferocious fastball.

The visitors' momentum carried over into the subsequent stanza as Warriors' infielder Dominic Signorelli led off and demolished a home run that smashed off of the scoreboard in right field. Despite only having five outs remaining, the Warriors did not feel the pressure as they notched two more base runners before fourth-year utilityman Garrett Bevacqua stepped up to bat. With runners on the corners, Bevacqua blasted a three-run shot to left field, narrowing the T-Birds' lead to one.

Entering the bottom of the eighth with a slim 6-5 advantage, the 'Birds looked to deflate any hope of a comeback. With a runner on first and one out, Krahn swatted his third hit of the game, sending the ball to the gap in left centre for a double — marking his third RBI on the day as well. With a little more breathing room, McGill picked up the bat and crushed a two-run home run to right field, reestablishing a sizable lead late in the game.

Down to their final three outs, the Warriors battled in the top of the ninth but couldn't muster much more as second-year UBC pitcher Alex Lee (Burnaby, B.C.) shut the door, earning the save as he sealed the 9-5 win for his club.

"Our league's tough, so it's going to be a struggle all year. But if we play like that, we're going to be okay", concluded Pritchett.

The Thunderbirds will make their way to Caldwell, Idaho next weekend as they matchup with the College of Idaho Yotes for a three-game series. First pitch of game one is scheduled for Friday, Mar. 7 at 2:00 p.m. (P.T.).