Despite exploding for seven runs and seven hits in the bottom of the ninth, the University of Redlands baseball team could not keep up with No. 11 Pomona-Pitzer Colleges as the Bulldogs dropped an 11-21 decision on Friday at The Yard.

Redlands’ outlook appeared bleak from the get go as Pomona-Pitzer utilized a six-run, five-hit first inning to jump ahead early. The Sagehens tacked on one more in the second before the Bulldogs scored their first run in the bottom of the third.

Senior pitcher/infielder Evan Dunn (Portland, OR) singled up the middle and advanced to third on two consecutive groundouts. Dunn took advantage of a wild pitch and crossed the plate, notching the Bulldogs’ first run of the game.

The middle innings proved to be the toughest for the Maroon and Gray as the Sagehens met little resistance offensively and sprayed hard-hit balls all over the outfield. Pomona-Pitzer scored two in the fourth, four in the fifth and two in the sixth.

Down 1-15, the Bulldogs strung together a three-run seventh to whittle away at the Sagehens’ commanding lead. Head Coach Scott Laverty brought in pinch hitters for nearly every starter in the inning, and the reserves came through. Senior utility player Will Wetmore (Santa Cruz, CA) reached base after being hit by a pitch, and freshman shortstop Chase Tucker (Poway, CA) got on board by means of an error by the third baseman. Sophomore outfielder Brandon Owashi (San Diego, CA) doubled to left center, driving in Tucker and Wetmore. Owashi rounded out the scoring for the inning as he came home following a single up the middle by senior pitcher/infielder Jon Eubanks (Chula Vista, CA).

The Sagehens scored six more in the top of the eighth, putting the game at what appeared to be an insurmountable 21-4 lead.

Despite having offensive troubles all game, Redlands came out swinging in the ninth as it scored more runs in the inning than Pomona-Pitzer had in any single frame.

Freshman infielder Tyger Pederson (Palo Alto, CA) led off the ninth with a walk, and Tucker singled up the middle, advancing Pederson. Owashi took advantage of a misplayed fly by the Sagehen rightfielder and advanced two bases while Tucker and Pederson each scored. Eubanks drove in Owashi by means of a sacrifice fly to center, giving the Bulldogs momentum. Both freshman infielder Marcus Himelhoch (Beaverton, OR) and freshman first baseman Terry Dempsey (Pinetop, AZ) singled through the left side, and senior first baseman Matt Hughes (Westminster, CA) loaded up the bases thanks to his keen eye at the plate, drawing a walk.

The Maroon and Gray continued its unlikely rally when Wetmore roped a single to left field and then moved on to second after the leftfielder bobbled the ball. In the process, he plated Dempsey and Himelhoch. Pederson batted again and made the most of the plate appearance, singling up the middle while bringing in Wetmore and Hughes. Tucker and Owashi each recorded singles before Pomona-Pitzer pulled its pitcher to bring in Jaden Slagle to tally the final out. Slagle ended the Bulldogs’ dream run of an improbable comeback, forcing Eubanks into a fielder’s choice.

Senior pitcher/first baseman Nolan Nicholson (Fullerton, CA) struggled on the mound, giving up 11 hits and 11 runs in four innings of work. Notably, freshman pitcher Ryan Smith (Milwaukie, OR) pitched 1.2 perfect innings, retiring each of the batters he faced.

Owashi and Tucker each paced Redlands’ offense with two hits apiece. Additionally, Owashi tied the Sagehens’ Nick Frederick for the game high in RBI with four.

Senior outfielder Cory Vane (Simi Valley, CA) became the proud owner of a 14-game hit streak as he drove a ball up the middle in the sixth.

Redlands (15-7, 6-1 SCIAC) has the opportunity for a rematch tomorrow afternoon when it travels to Claremont for an 11 a.m. doubleheader against Pomona-Pitzer.