UBC splits with Corban: Beitel, Maier, Sanderson, Spearing

University of British Columbia

2020 Weekly Update #5

Results: Conference Play

Loss 4-3 Corban (NAIA)

Win 7-2 Corban (NAIA)

Win 7-3 Corban (NAIA)

Loss 3-2 Corban (NAIA)

Overall Record: 12-8 Conference Record: 8-4

Top Pitchers:

Jr Jared Spearing 6 Inn, 4 Hits, 0 Runs, 14 Ks, 1 BB (1 Win)

Fr Adam Maier 6 Inn, 6 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 Earned, 5 Ks, 1 BB (1 Win)

So Garrett Hawkins 6 Inn, 4 Hits, 1 Run, 1 Earned, 5 Ks, 2 BB

Sr Barry Caine 6.2 Inn, 8 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 Earned, 6 Ks, 1 BB

Top Hitters:

Fr Ryan Beitel 7-for-17, 4 RBI, 2 Runs

Fr Cam Sanderson 5-for-13, 1 RBI, 2 Runs

Sr Austen Butler 4-for-14, 3 Runs, 1 BB, 1 SB

COMMENTS:

The Thunderbirds were on the road in Keizer, Ore. to battle the Corban Warriors in what ended up being full of ups and downs. Both teams were hit with inclement weather that would postpone the Friday night opener, meaning two straight days of double header action. Game 1 was a tight matchup that saw both starters control most of the game. Garrett Hawkins kept the Birds in it, allowing just one run in six innings. UBC would take the lead 3-1 but were unable to hang on as a late error in the bottom half of the seventh would lead to three runs and a Warrior advantage that could not be overcome. The Birds could only muster three hits as they fell in the series opener.

A determined Jared Spearing took the ball in Game 2 and had his best outing of the 2020 campaign. The junior lefty went six scoreless, fanning 14 batters along the way en route to his third win of the year. Jake Lanferman and Jordan Dray each had a pair of RBIs and freshman Ryan Beitel chipped in with two hits and an RBI of his own to help the birds in the 7-2 victory.

UBC would continue the momentum in Game 3 on Sunday morn with Adam Maier setting the tone on the mound going six allowing two runs. The offence had contributions up and down the lineup with five different T Birds knocking in at least one run. Finn Duffield would go the final three innings picking up the save in the 7-3 win.

The Thunderbirds put themselves in position to take the series with one game left but were unable to take advantage in a tight one-run game that ended in favour of the Warriors. Barry Caine was strong again for the Birds but was unable to get any help from the offence that put 10 hits up on the board but left seven runners stranded. The game was tied for the better part of the matchup but Corban would prevail with a walk-off run-scoring fly ball to take the finale 3-2.

UBC has been battling through multiple injuries that kept three regulars out of the lineup this weekend as the Thunderbirds settle for a series split and will regroup going into a conference bye week.

Upcoming: Non - Conference

On Friday, March UBC was supposed to head south to play two games against Indiana Tech and two more against Georgia Gwinnett at Lawrenceville, GA. Howevever, UBC will not be travelling south for the scheduled games. The athletic department and university decided to do what was best for the safety of our players, coaches and staff given the uncertainty around the Corona Virus at this time.