By Joey Murphy
Despite starting conference play 5-0, Lane dropped a pair of games to Linn-Benton Community College on March 9 at Hamlin Sports Complex.
During the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader, Lane fell behind 1-7 during Linn-Benton’s six-run fifth inning. With this big inning, Linn-Benton made Lane search the bullpen as Lane’s number 14, starting pitcher Sam Wilson, allowed seven runs compared to his three strikeouts.
Lane did not give up another run after the pitching change, but they could not generate enough offense to mount a comeback. Lane’s batters managed just six hits, leading to a 4-7 loss at the hands of Linn-Benton.
The second half of the doubleheader was almost no different. In the first three innings, Linn-Benton jumped out to an 8-0 lead. Lane starting pitcher number 19 Cole Warner, giving up five runs and four walks, exited 1.2 innings into the game.
Lane’s offense got to work in the sixth inning, however. Using a two-out rally, Lane managed a single before three straight scoring plays. With four hits, Lane exited the sixth inning with four on the board.
This rally would prove insufficient. Lane finished the second half of the doubleheader with another loss, this time by a score of 6-9.
Top Lane performers of the day came from the batter’s box. Number 27, third baseman Cole Zimmerman, finished the doubleheader with four runs, two walks, and four hits on eight at-bats. Number 12, shortstop Austin Takahshi, also tacked on three hits and a walk by day’s end.
On March 13, Lane will look to rebound against Umpqua Community College. After going 2-0 against Mt. Hood Community College on March 7, Umpqua will enter the doubleheader 3-3 in conference play. Lane’s next matchup with Linn-Benton will come on April 17.
To find out more about LCC’s baseball team and see the rest of their schedule, visit https://www.lanetitans.com/sports/bsb.
