The UBC Thunderbirds baseball team (10-2) used the home run to their full advantage on Monday, dialing up three long balls in a rollercoaster of a 9-7 win over the Westmont Warriors (6-1).
Central Arizona College transfer
Mitch Robinson delivered his most impressive performance of the young season against the Warriors, going off for a home run, three total hits, two runs scored, and four RBIs, including driving in
John Whaley for the game-sealing run in the eighth inning.
Robinson's RBI capped off a wild comeback for UBC, as the 'Birds notched six consecutive runs to climb out of a 7-3 hole. Down 5-0, Robinson started the comeback with a three-run 'dinger' in the third frame, clearing
Lucas Soper and
Austen Butler off the bases.
Vinny Martin and
Mackenzie Parlow got in on the home run derby in the sixth and seventh frames, with both juniors knocking two-run blasts out of the park to pull the 'Birds even at 7-7.
Kyle McComb got the Thunderbirds ahead later in the seventh inning, as his single scored
Anthony Olson from third.
The game was called due to fog following the eighth inning, allowing the 'Birds to escape with a wild win.
'Birds can't hold lead against Antelope Valley
On Tuesday afternoon, UBC played a make-up game against Antelope Valley Pioneers after Sunday's match-up was rained out. As has been the case for much of their season, UBC got their offence going early in the ball game.
Vinny Martin's solo homerun in the top of the second gave the 'Birds a 1-0 lead. In the top of the third, four consecutive hits bookended, by doubles from second baseman
Nick Spillman and red-hot UBC third baseman
Mitch Robinson, produced four more runs for the 'Birds.
But the Pioneers bats awoke in the bottom half of the inning, as three singles and an error produced three runs and ultimately chased UBC starter
Brad Smith.
The bottom of the fourth inning was even tougher for the 'Birds as reliever
Mateos Kekatos was touched for a homerun and a three-run triple.
Pioneer starting pitcher Gilberto Arroyo got stronger as the game went on and would eventually grab the win, going eight innings while giving up five runs on six hits. Kekatos would take the loss for UBC.
With a game left against William Jessup on Wednesday during this California preseason swing, the 'Birds are working towards their NAIA West season-opening series against the No. 1 ranked Lewis-Clarke State (Idaho) Warriors later this week.
UBC open their season with four games in three days against the reigning NAIA champions, with the four-game set starting this Friday, February 24 at 3:00 pm. The series will also feature a doubleheader on Saturday, February 25 (12:00 pm and 2:45), as well as a final game at 11:00 am on Sunday, February 26.
