The Bulldogs battled back to force a second title game against host Lane, but were unable to overcome a four-run deficit in their fifth game in three days and fell to the Titans 7-3 in the final of the NWAC South Super Regional on Sunday in Eugene, Oregon.
BC route to the Super Regional title game reflected its season-long determination. The Bulldogs rebounded after a 10-game non-conference skid to tie for second in the NWAC North Region with a 13-11 record and finished 21-27.
The Bulldogs opened the Super Regional with an 11-2 victory over Columbia Basin on Friday. BC then lost to Lane, 8-3, but bounced back in the second game Saturday with an 8-6 comeback victory over Columbia Basin to advance to the final.
BC edged Lane 5-4 in the first title game to force a second game Sunday, but fell 7-3.
The Bulldogs put together a pair of four-run innings en route to the 11-2 opening victory over Columbia Basin. Sophomore shortstop Grant DeLappe homered and drove in three runs, and freshman outfielder Ethan Smith had two triples and three RBIs. Freshman Calvin Turchin allowed two runs on eight hits, striking out eight and walking three for the nine-inning complete game victory.
In the second game, BC led 2-0 after one inning, but managed just one run the rest of the way as Lane erupted for 15 hits for an 8-3 victory. Sophomore first baseman Brennen Hancock had a two-run homer for the Bulldogs.
BC bounced back with an 8-6 victory over Columbia Basin. Sophomore left-hander Brendan Ecklebarger allowed six runs on eights, striking out five and walking two for the complete-game victory. Hancock, Smith and sophomore DH Sean Clancy had two hits apiece for the Bulldogs.
In the first game against Lane on Sunday, the Bulldogs built a 3-0 lead and then held on for the 5-4 victory. DeLappe was 4-for-4 and sophomore second baseman Griffin McCormick had three hits and scored twice. Freshman Connor Portugal allowed four runs – three earned – on nine hits in 7 2/3 innings for the victory. Freshman Jared Maxfield pitched the final 1 1/3 to preserve the victory.
In the second game, Lane snapped a scoreless tie with four runs in the fourth and built a 7-1 lead. BC scored twice in the ninth before finally running out of comebacks.McCormick had two of BC’s four hits and freshman outfielder Dylan Ames drove in a pair of runs.
Last Updated May 20, 2018
