Baum Bat NW Two-Out Hitting Upsets Bend
Despite 14 strikeouts, Bend pitching couldn’t shut the door on Baum Bat NW, who scored five runs with two outs. (Andrew Green)
Bend, OR. - Bend Elks pitching struggled to find the third out Saturday night against Baum Bat Northwest, who scored all five of its runs with two outs to outlast the Elks 5-2 in the non-league matchup.
Baum Bat recorded nine of its ten hits with two outs, continuing to persevere despite the solid starts from Bend pitchers who retired the first two batters in every inning except two while also posting a season-best 14 strikeouts.
The Elks' offense simply couldn't replicate the two-out success that Baum Bat had. Baum Bat's two talented prospects, Oregon State commit River Hamilton and 6 foot 4 right-hander Brendan Bowyer, retired Bend in order five out of nine innings, including 13 of the final 15 batters.
The Elks scored both of its runs in the second inning on RBI singles by Maddox Molony and Trey Nelson. Kody Watanabe accounted for two of the Elks' six hits.
Bend (7-8, 5-7) will attempt to split the series against Baum Bat NW (1-0) Sunday before heading to Springfield next week to take on the Drifters, ranked first in the West Coast League South Division.
