By Ron Smith

A grand slam by Jarrett Costa capped an eight-run second inning that led to Westmont Baseball (8-1) posting a 9-6 win over the Thunderbirds of British Columbia (9-4). The victory concluded a three-game sweep by the Warriors.

Freshman Sean Coyne was awarded the win after pitching four and one-third innings in relief. The only hit and only run that Coyne allowed was a solo home run by British Columbia's Griffy Goyer in the seventh inning. Coyne walked two and struck out two.

Sophomore Bay Buckley pitched the eighth inning for the Warriors retiring the side in order. Senior Michael Rishwain did the same in the ninth inning to earn his second save of the season.

British Columbia recorded the game's first score, posting a single run in the top of the first inning after lead-off batter Anthony Olson reached on an error. Olson eventually scored from third on a wild pitch.

In the bottom of the second, designated hitter Jarrett Costa got things rolling for the Warriors with a lead-off single through the left side. Third baseman Luke Coffey, reached on an error that advanced Costa to second before first baseman Conrad was walked to load the bases.

Shortstop Bryce Morison's ground ball to third resulted in Costa being forced out at home. The relay to first, however, was too late to double off Morison, leaving the bases loaded.

That brought up catcher Kyle Soria who's first collegiate hit was a double down the right field line the drove home Conrad and Coffey. Soria was replaced at second by courtesy runner Michael Valentine.

Michael Frigon added to the hit parade with a single to right that scored Morison from third. The ball was bobbled by the Thunderbird's right fielder, allowing Valentine to score the fourth run of the inning and Frigon to reach second on the throw to the plate.

Center fielder Alika McGuire doubled to left center but Frigon had to hold up to see if the ball would be caught and could only reach third on the play. One out later, Thunderbird starter Jeremy Newton, who would eventually be tagged with the loss, was replaced by relief pitcher Ethan Skuija.

Right fielder Derek Rodigo was intentionally walked, bringing up Costa for the second time in the inning. Costa cleared the bases with a shot that cleared the right-center field fence.

The Thunderbirds got back four runs in the top of the third to make it an 8-5 game, but would get no closer.

McGuire completed the Warrior scoring with a solo home run to right field in the bottom of the sixth.

Westmont will open Golden State Athletic Conference play next weekend when they host Menlo for three games beginning on Friday at two o'clock.