The University of Redlands baseball team took to non-conference action on Tuesday afternoon by facing off against the Webster University (MO) Gorloks at The Yard under beautiful clear skies. In a game that was all tied up after three-and-one-half innings, the Bulldogs unloaded seven runs in the latter half of the contest en route to an 11-4 victory over the Gorloks.
After Webster grabbed a two-run lead in the top half of the first inning, the Bulldogs fired back in the ensuing half inning when designated hitter Joey Warner (Indo, CA) smacked an RBI-single that plated senior right-fielder Christian Gurrola (Torrance, CA). Sophomore catcher Rainier Aguilar (San Bernardino, CA) kept the RBI train rolling by barreling a two-out RBI-single to right field, scoring Warner, to knot the game up at 2-2.
The Bulldogs took their first lead in the bottom of the second inning after junior second baseman Christopher Scalisi (Woodland Hills, CA) drew a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded, scoring sophomore shortstop Brendan Gardiner (Mission Viejo, CA).
Although the Bulldogs surrendered the lead and forced a tie at 4-4, they went on a six-run outburst that included two runs apiece in the following three innings.
Scalisi and Warner continued to fuel the offensive fire by notching consecutive RBI-knocks in the fourth inning. Gurrola remained scorching hot at the dish in the bottom of the fifth inning by driving an RBI-single to left field, which was backed by a sacrifice fly from Scalisi. Gardiner got in on the RBI action by lacing a three-bagger into the right-center gap, scoring Aguilar. Senior left-fielder Nathan Bowker (Edmonds, OK) capped off the six-run outburst by launching a sacrifice fly out to center field, scoring Gardiner, to hold a commanding 10-4 lead after six innings.
Sophomore right-fielder Nick Ono (Yorba Linda, CA) capped off the offense by lacing a single up the middle to score senior first baseman Ryan Franklin (Manhattan Beach, CA) en route to an 11-4 victory.
Sophomore starter Felix Minjarez (Riverside, CA) earned the victory after tossing two innings and striking out three batters. Senior reliever John Keane (Orangevale, CA) was extremely effective by chucking three scoreless innings and scattering four hits.
Sophomore relievers Adam Stead (Rialto, CA) and junior John White (Burbank, CA) sealed the deal by allowing no runs and striking out a combined three batters.
Eight of the nine starters recorded hits, with Aguilar leading the way at the dish by going 4-for-4 with a double, two RBI, and a run scored. Gurrola and Warner each squared up two hits.
The Bulldogs (10-5, 7-2 SCIAC) return to Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) action on Friday, March 11, by facing off against the Cal Lutheran University Kingsmen at The Yard. First pitch is set for 2:30 p.m.