Pippins Clinch Series in Corvallis

Corvallis, Ore. – When it comes to winning the late innings, the Yakima Valley Pippins have been dominant. They scored four runs over the last four innings of Wednesday’s game in Corvallis to knock off the Knights, 5-2.

Both offenses showcased some power in the 1^st inning, including a solo homer from Branson Trube to start off the game. Corvallis’ Michael Farris countered with a two-run shot in the bottom of the 1^st to make it 2-1 Knights.

Behind good pitching, that score would hold until the 6^th, when the Pippins broke through against Knights’ starter Ryan Walker. Mitch Skaggs, who went 3-5 in Wednesday’s game, started the frame with a leadoff single, stole second base and took third on a groundout. He scored the tying run on a fielder’s choice from Josh Nashed on a wide throw from Corvallis shortstop Nick Madrigal.

With the game tied entering the 7^th, the Pippins took the lead for good against Walker. After a one-out single and a walk, runners Tyler Mildenberg and Branson Trube worked a double steal and Jace Van De Brake delivered the go-ahead sacrifice fly. Skaggs followed with an RBI single to make it 4-2 and Dayton Provost capped the scoring with a solo homer in the 8^th. With the late runs, the Pippins are outscoring opponents, 33-7, after the 6^th inning, including a total of 17 runs in the 8^th inning.

The Knights missed a great scoring chance in the 6^th, after loading the bases with two outs against reliever Jordon Gonzalez. Connor Lau took over and got Cole Kreuter to fly out. Between starter Kelly Fitzpatrick, Gonzalez, Lau and closer Wyatt Mills, Pippins pitching held the Knights scoreless over the final eight innings and hitless over the last five.

The Pippins go for the sweep of the Knights on Thursday at 6:40 pm. Andrew Bernstein, a right-hander from Cal Poly, is expected to make the start for the Pippins.