Raiders split series with Jefferson

Raiders split series with Jefferson

Two sweeps for a split.

Three Rivers opened its Region XVI season by sweeping Jefferson on Saturday, winning both games 7-6, only for Jefferson to sweep the Raiders on Sunday, winning the opener 10-5 and the nightcap 7-1.

"It's a typical region series where every game is going to be a battle. That's just region play," Three Rivers coach Tyler Smith said. "On the first day, to come away with two wins was really great to see."

The Raiders topped Jefferson in extra innings to kick off the series.

Leadoff hitter Stefan Turino had a leadoff single and scored to put the Raiders ahead.

Kolten Poorman had a home run and four RBIs for the Raiders, while Turino and Andrew Lara each had three of the team's 10 hits.

"The offense was good, and Kolten really stepped up. He had a big home run to pull us ahead and gain some momentum with a big at-bat," White said.

The Raiders trailed 3-0 heading into the sixth but rallied with five runs before tacking on a run in the seventh and eighth inning.

Michael White earned his first save of the season in the nightcap after pitching the final 1 2/3 innings with four strikeouts, a walk, and a hit.

Cody Bond (1-2) pitched the first five innings to get the win. He allowed three hits and five walks with five strikeouts.

The Raiders scored in three of the first four innings to lead 7-2, heading into the fifth.

Cade Cancilla had a 3-run home run in the third and finished 2 for 4 with three RBIs.

Jefferson (6-10, 2-2) scored its six runs on four hits, with Josh Gibson going 2 for 4 with two runs and two RBIs to lead the team.

In Sunday's opener, Cancilla doubled and scored twice as Jefferson out-hit the Raiders 15-6.

Gideon Antle was 5 for 5 with two runs and two RBIs to lead the Vikings.

Jake Uber (2-1) pitched in the loss for Three Rivers. He started and allowed four hits and three walks with one strikeout over two innings.

Lara had two of Three Rivers' four hits in the nightcap, and Three Rivers struck out 13 times but was down 4-1 in the eighth inning and had the tying run at the plate.

"We had a chance to win that game as well against a pretty good arm for Jefferson who will be a high-round draft pick," Smith said. "We know there are some tough matchups, but it should give them confidence moving forward in future region battles."

Cancilla hit his second home run of the season for the Raiders' only run.

Briar Fischer (1-1) started and took the loss for Three Rivers. He pitched 3 2/3 innings and allowed three hits and four walks with four strikeouts.

 

Scott Borkgren - Daily American Republic