VANCOUVER, BC – Following a weekend south of the border, the UBC Thunderbirds return to Tourmaline West Stadium where they will host the Oregon Tech Owls for a four-game series to close their regular season. Action opens Saturday, April 30
th with a double-header beginning at 1:00 p.m. (PT) and teams will return to the field Sunday morning for a second double-header starting at 11:00 a.m. (PT).
Winners of four of their last five games, UBC is arguably playing their best baseball of the season. Their last three defeats have all been one run games coming down to the smallest of margins. The T-Birds consistent performances has injected a new level of confidence at the most important time of the year. Most recently, they made a statement in Salem, Oregon by overpowering the Corban Warriors for a series win.
UBC opened with an important 11-4 Friday night victory, relying on offence to produce 13 hits and kick-start their weekend. Saturday's double-header was split as each team had impressive pitching performances with just four runs scored in two games. The series closed Sunday afternoon with a gritty 5-2 'Birds victory, as second year
Brandon Hupe's continued to be dangerous at the plate with two of his three home runs in the series coming in the final game.
There is a lot at stake on the Point Grey campus this weekend as Oregon Tech (9-11) enters the matchup just a couple of games back of UBC in the
Cascade Collegiate Conference standings with the post-season just weeks away.
The visitors rely on a couple of bats for most of their production as first year Matthew Ortiz's steady eye at the plate has translated to 76 hits with a .362 batting average. Veteran power flows through the bat of Dalton Daily, who has hit 15 home runs and 50 RBI.
On the mound for the Owls, their balanced pitching staff has seen four players throw at least 60 innings this season. Left-hander Cody Dubray owns a 7-3 record while right-hander Dylan Grogan holds a 7-2 record while both arms have each struck out 74 batters.
For the home side, balance is key for a T-Birds offence who can see one through nine in their lineup can make a difference at any point in the game. Plate discipline is a strength leveraged every at bat as UBC ranks third best in the CCC in earned walks. The team's ability to power extra-base hits make base runners critical as a trio of 'Birds lead the team in doubles with
Nathan Shute (12),
Mike Fitzsimmons (14), and
Ty Penner (14). Hupe and Penner have both challenged opposing pitchers in the middle of the lineup with their 10 home runs a piece.
UBC's starting rotation is finding their groove towards the end of the season as well with strong outings from
Ryan Beitel (3-3),
Shane Laforest (5-3),
Branden Woods (3-0), and
Brett Corbeth (2-5). On the back end, the 'Birds rely on
Vicarte Domingo to close games as his five saves lead the team.
A reminder that tickets are free but you must
register in advance here!
Series Schedule
G1 – Saturday, April 30
th - 1:00 p.m. (PT)
G2 – Saturday, April 30
th – 4:00 p.m. (PT)
G3 – Sunday, May 1
st – 11:00 a.m. (PT)
G4 – Sunday, May 1
st – 2:00 p.m. (PT)
