Box Score
By
Ron Smith
Westmont starter
David Gaydos pitched seven innings for the 16th-ranked Warriors (7-1) without giving up a run to help lead the Warriors to a 5-1 win over British Columbia (9-3) at Russ Carr Field. Gaydos, who improved to 2-1 with an ERA of 0.00 over 18 innings of work, allowed just three hits, struck out three and walked two.
The Warriors faced British Columbia pitcher Curtis Taylor, considered one of the best pitchers in the NAIA and a significant prospect for the 2016 MLB Draft. The match-up lured 26 major league scouts to Westmont's baseball diamond on a warm and clear Saturday afternoon.
Taylor allowed just one hit in his first four innings of work, before the Warriors broke through in the bottom half of the fifth for three runs. Westmont catcher Jarrett Costa was walked to lead off the fifth and was replaced at first with courtesy runner Michael Valentin. A wild pitch allowed Valentin to reach second base. One out later, designated hitter Luke Coffey delivered a single to right, advancing Valentin to third.
Pinch hitter Matt Matlock came in and laid down a bunt to the right side of the infield that allowed Valentin to score. An error on the play made Matlock safe at first and advanced Coffey to third. A sacrifice bunt by left fielder Michael Frigon brought Coffey home for the second run of the inning before an RBI-single by center fielder Alika McGuire scored Matlock.
In the bottom of the sixth, Westmont added two more runs to go up 5-0.First baseman Michael Pollex singled to center field and later reached third when third baseman Graylin Derke doubled down the right field line with one away. Derke's double drove Taylor from the game, replaced on the hill by Aidan Goodall.
Coffey welcomed Goodall to the game with a single to right center that drove in Pollex and moved Derke from third. A sacrifice bunt by short stop Austin McGilvra allowed Derke to score.
The Thunderbirds scored their lone run in the game off a triple by first baseman Bruce Yari that scored second baseman Anthony Olson. Olson had previously reached via a single up the middle.
Sam Sheehan closed out the ninth for Westmont to secure the Warrior victory.
The same to teams will meet again tomorrow at Russ Carr Field. First pitch is scheduled for two o'clock.
