Posted: Apr 18, 2021
MORAGA, Calif. - Saint Mary's put up seven runs in the third inning on home runs by Justin Banks and Blake Mann, while Ky Bush struck out 13 over seven innings to defeat Santa Clara baseball 8-2 in a West Coast Conference game on Sunday afternoon.
Banks got the scoring started for the Gaels with a three-run home run against Bronco starter Holden Bernhardt and Mann added a grand slam later in the inning off Brandon Buckley. Saint Mary's sent 11 batters to the plate, banging out six hits and was aided by a Bronco error.
With a runner at first and one out in a scoreless game up to that point, Bernhardt fielded Nick Mistone's sharp comebacker but made an errant throw trying to cut down the lead runner at second. Two pitches later, Banks deposited a three-run home run over the right field wall.
After Bernhardt allowed a couple of singles and a walk to load the bases, Buckley came in relief with two outs but gave up the grand slam to Mann. Only three of the seven runs in the inning were earned.
Bush (4-3) got the nod on the bump for Saint Mary's (17-16, 7-8) allowing just two runs (one earned) on two hits runs and did not issue a walk to earn the win. Bernhardt (0-1) took the loss.
Santa Clara (12-20, 5-10) scored a pair of runs in the sixth when Coleman Brigman scored on a wild pitch and Dicochea on an error.
Eight of the nine Saint Mary's starters collected a hit with Jacob Talamante and Marc Goulart each going 2-for-4.
Saint Mary's won all three games of the series but the two schools will play again in a nonconference series in late May.
NEXT UP
The Broncos return home to host San Diego for a West Coast Conference series starting Friday.
Unfortunately, due to a spike in COVID-19 cases with the campus community and despite a recent improvement, we remain unable to allow fans into the facility at this time. The priority continues to be the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff so the university will continue to evaluate campus policies. While the state of California announced guidance for outdoor seated venues on April 1, the university reserves the right to be more cautious than public health guidance.
