VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds had a non-conference stop in Seattle on Wednesday and were up 4-2 heading into the ninth, but Seattle University's Riley Tompkins hit a walk-off three run homer to beat the 'Birds 5-4.
Seattle opened the game with single runs in the first and second innings off
David Otterman and
Tavis Bruce, as the T-Birds had six pitchers combine to tackle the midweek game to save arms for their four-game conference series at home this weekend.
Conor Lillis-White,
Alex Graham and
Matt Trimble were all solid in working a combined four scoreless innings of middle relief, and the T-Birds managed to cut the lead in half with an
Andrew Firth RBI single in the sixth.
UBC jumped out in front with a three-run eighth, highlighted by an RBI single from
Nick Senior and a two-run triple from
Mike Hole.
The celebration was short-lived though, as Seattle got to
Nathan Kirby in his third inning of work. Kirby hit the first batter of the inning before an error allowed a second man to reach base, setting the table for Tompkins' walk-off shot.
UBC is now 21-15 overall, and the 'Birds get back to conference action this weekend at home against Oregon Tech. They host the Hustlin' Owls on Saturday for a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m., and another doubleheader on Sunday at 11 a.m.
Games are currently scheduled for Nat Bailey Stadium but may be moved to Thunderbird Park depending on weather.
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