First thing is first... it feels great to get another series win, and even better to know that we've won series' against both of the Arizona schools. With the win the Beavers are now a game over .500, and head to Pullman with hopes of making a run at first place.
Some notes from the game:
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Pitching... Exceptional job by Jorge as well as Rhoderick, but some credit also goes to the coaching staff. There were some points in the game when Jorge got into a jam and easily could have been replaced out of the bullpen. I applaud David Wong and Pat Casey for sticking with Jorge in those situations, because you have to think that getting out of those jams in a tight ballgame helps Jorge mentally as he tries to improve every start he gets.
As far as Rhoderick, there's not much to say other than he got it done. It wasn't the prettiest of all saves, but I'll take substance over style. As much as I'd like to see Kevin trounce the opponents 1-2-3 every outing, it's good to know that he can keep his cool with runners on base, let alone the bases loaded, with the game on the line. Rhoderick picked up his ninth save of the year, striking out two and walking two in the process. Jorge moves to 3-2 with the win.
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Offense... The Beavers really did not do well at the plate today, but managed to squeak out a win. All three runs came in the fifth inning, an inning in which the Beavers did hit the ball well. Daniel Robertson started things off with a base hit, then Erik Ammon bunted him to second. Wells singled up the middle to score Robertson, then stole second to put himself in scoring position. Chris Hopkins traded places with Braden on a two-out double, then Hopkins scored on a Lonnie Lechelt triple that made it about three-fourths of the way up the fence in left field.
As a matter of fact, the Beavers ended every offensive inning with a strikeout.
It's on the road to Gonzaga for two midweek games before heading to Pullman for a Pac-10 date with Washington State.
GO BEAVERS!
--JB--