LAS VEGAS – Santa Clara baseball's bats stayed hot in a 17-3 win over Saint Mary's to secure a spot in the West Coast Conference Tournament Championship tomorrow.
After both teams put up a single run in the first, the Broncos (34-18) scored four in the second and never looked back. The lead would grow to 9-1 after a three-run fifth and Santa Clara kept the pedal to the metal with eight runs over the final three innings.
Dawson Brigman had three hits, including a home run, three runs scored, and five RBIs while also drawing a walk and stealing a base. Every starter had at least one hit with seven of the nine having at least two. Eamonn Lance had a double, a home run, two runs scored, and three RBIs with Ben Steck scoring three runs and knocking in a run while hitting two doubles.
The pitching was strong as well with starter Jared Feikes (6-1) going 7 1/3 innings to pick up the win. He allowed two runs on four hits with a walk and six strikeouts.
The Gaels (23-27) briefly tied the game in the first on a solo home run off the bat of Bill Ralston. Gavin Napier added a double and two RBIs in the eighth for the Saint Mary's offense.
Ryan Taurek (2-4) went 1-plus inning in the start and took the loss. He allowed four runs on two this with three walks and a strikeout.
NEXT UP
The Broncos play the winner of Saint Mary's vs. Portland set for tonight at 8:30 p.m. Santa Clara will need just one win to the title while their opponent will have to win two games. The first game is set for 1 p.m. on ESPNU.
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