Corvallis, Ore. – The Corvallis Knights have never been swept at home in the 11 years they’ve been in the West Coast League. Thursday night, the Pippins found out just how hard it is to do, as their bid for a sweep feel short in a 3-1 loss to the Knights at Goss Stadium.

 

For the third straight game, the Pippins (8-4) put up a run in the top of the 1st, courtesy of an RBI double from Mitch Skaggs. However, that was almost all of the offense would generate against a solid Knights pitching staff. Yakima Valley had nine straight hitters retired in a stretch between the 1st and 4th innings, and after getting back-to-back men on in the 4th, had the final 16 hitters of the game retired by the Corvallis staff.

 

The Knights (6-6) had plenty of offensive struggles early on against Pippins starter Andrew Bernstein, who made his first start of the year for the Pippins. After working out of some early jams, the righty gave up an unearned run in the 5th to tie the game at 1. Bernstein worked 6 innings, giving up just 4 hits, 1 unearned run, 4 walks and 2 strikeouts in a no-decision.

 

Darrion Simons took over in the 7th and had a tough time throwing strikes. The lefty walked the first two hitters of the inning, and eventually, loaded the bases with one out. A wild pitch brought in the go-ahead run and a groundout brought in the third and final run.

 

Despite the loss, the Pippins still took the series over the Knights and have won both of their road series this season. They return home Friday night at 7:05 pm to take on the Kelowna Falcons. The first 1,000 fans receive free hats and everyone will be treated to free fireworks after the game, presented by Banner Bank.

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