REDDING, Calif. - Simpson welcomed Bushnell University in a three-game series this weekend. The Red Hawks and Beacons split today's doubleheader with the Beacons coming out on top 5-1 in game one and 3-2 Red Hawks in game two.
Red Hawks game one starter
Eric Winchester ran into some early traffic as he escaped both innings unscathed.
Winchester went seven strong innings as he allowed just one Bushnell hit and punched out six Beacon batters.
Simpson broke the 0-0 score in the bottom of the sixth inning by scratching across the first run in the game.
A one-out single by
Logan Gomes followed by a bloop double down the right-field line by
Alex Tolbert put runners on second and third.
Dominic Folks picked up a clutch RBI single to score Gomes from third base.
Nathan Palacioz came in relief of Winchester and pitched a clean eighth inning.
However, the Beacons plated five runs in the top of the ninth inning on four hits and one Red Hawk error.
The Beacons were able to close out the home half of the ninth inning and seal the 5-1 victory.
Game 2:
Simpson handed
Jaydon Tomas the ball in game two as they looked for the split.
Game two entailed a pitcher's duel as the Beacons scored the first run of the game in the top of the fourth inning.
However, Simpson struck back in the bottom half of the fifth inning with three runs to grab the 3-1 lead.
A one-out walk to
Jaxon Hotta followed by a Bushnell error helped set up a one-out first and third situation for Simpson.
Courtesy runner Brandon Leek stole the first run of the game with a little first and third base running magic.
Alex Tolbert and
Dominic Folks pushed across the go-ahead and insurance runs with back-to-back two-out RBI singles.
Tomas's final line stood at five innings, three hits, one run, and four strikeouts.
The Beacons pushed across one run in the top half of the seventh inning to pull within one run.
Eddie Avalos came in relief of freshman
Chad Horton in the seventh inning to limit the damage.
Avalos earned the save as he pitched the final 2.2 innings with Tomas earning his first win of the year.
Titus Sato led the Red Hawk bats with two hits in three trips to the plate while scoring the go-ahead run in the seventh inning.
Simpson looks to take the rubber match tomorrow as the first pitch is set for noon.
