Bend’s bats break through to down Drifters
Jace Miller was one of three Elks to record three hits in Bend’s season high performance at the plate. (Sage Young)
Bend, OR - The Bend Elks bounced back with a big time 6-3 home victory over Springfield Tuesday powered by an offensive onslaught that included several standout individual performances.
On the heels of an embarrassing 2-1 loss to Springfield (3-7, 3-7) Sunday, Bend (5-5, 5-5) washed away the bad taste in its mouth with the fresh flavor of Vince Genna Stadium. The Elks' refreshed offense racked up a season-high 14 hits, nine of which came from Cole Calnon, Evan Saunders, and Jace Miller, who each recorded three-hit games.
Calnon and Miller are now on three-game hit streaks, while Saunders has just started his summer with an impressive debut.
Despite the Drifters scoring the game's first run in the opening frame, the Elks would pull even in the third on a Calnon infield single that ignited Bend's bats. The Elks followed with a couple of runs in the fourth on Jace Miller's sacrifice fly and Luke Reece's RBI fielder's choice to take their first lead.
Springfield managed to pull even with a pair of runs in the top of the sixth, but Bend's counterpunch at the bottom of the frame delivered the dying blow to the Drifters. The Elks posted a three spot on a Miller one-run single and a sac fly from Reece, capped off by a Ty Johnsen RBI double that placed the nail in the coffin.
Johnsen represented the final of four extra-base hits for Bend on the evening, with others all coming on doubles from Calnon, Saunders, and Brett Ott.
Overshadowed by the offense was the Elks' outstanding pitching which combined for a season-high 10 strikeouts. Zachary Reynolds (1-1) earned his first victory of the summer, tossing three innings with a trio of punchouts countered by no walks and two earned runs. Reid Madariaga, the Elks team leader in victories, added a save to his resume by retiring nine of the 12 Drifters he faced over the final three frames to get Bend back to .500 on the season.
The Elks will attempt to secure their second straight series win over the Drifters on Wednesday at Vince Genna Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. Get your tickets now!
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