Roadrunners win I-5 Showdown

ALBANY, Oregon – The Linn-Benton Baseball team won both of their games against Lane Community College on Sunday, May 1.

The Roadrunners improved to 14-6 in the NWAC South Region, and 27-10 on the season. The Titans fell to 13-7 in the NWAC South Region, and 28-12 on the season.

The Roadrunners took three of the four games in their series against the Lane Titans, giving them sole possession of first place in the NWAC South Region. The South Region race for first has been heating up. The Titans and Umpqua Riverhawks sit only game behind first, while the Mt. Hood Saints sit two games back.

In game one the Roadrunners won 7-2. In a game where the Beaks needed him most, Kian Hogan came out and delivered. Hogan went 8 innings, giving up 1 run on 5 hits, while striking out 7. Hogan has performed well all year, improving to 5-1 on the season with a 1.37 ERA.

Roadrunners Michael Soper and JJ Hoover were the catalysts for the Beaks offense. Soper went 2-5 with 3 RBI. A two-out single by Soper in the bottom of the second brought in two runs and gave the Runners an early lead. A double by Hoover in the bottom of the sixth brought in two more and extended the lead to 5.

“I just came in aggressive … sticking with our approach of hitting fastballs, and went out there with a whole lot of trust.” Soper said.

In game two the Roadrunners continued their offensive explosion, winning 11-2. Roadrunner Kaden Miller went 4 innings, giving up 2 runs on 8 hits. Roadrunner Brady Baltus picked up the win going 3 ⅔ innings in relief allowing no runs on 3 hits. Four different Roadrunners had at least 2 RBI. Most noticeably Soper, who combined for 5 RBI on the day. Roadrunner Ruben Cedillo went 4 for 5 with 2 RBI and 3 runs. Cedillo had a bases clearing 2-RBI double in the seventh inning.

The Roadrunners combined for the most runs they’ve scored in any four-game series this year with 37.

“It just started to click a little bit. Guys are getting a little more comfortable, some of our top guys are setting the tone getting it going in the first inning,” Roadrunner Head Coach Andy Peterson said.

Next up the Roadrunners will stay home on Thursday, May 5. to take on Mt.Hood Community College in a matchup that could decide the NWAC South Region title. Rhett Larson is set to take the mound for the Roadrunners. Game one first pitch is set for 1 p.m. and game two first pitch is set for 4 p.m., at Dick McClain field, on the Linn-Benton Albany Campus.