Big Bend Battles Early, Falls 1–3 to Umpqua to Start Season
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Big Bend | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
|
Umpqua | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Big Bend | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
|
Umpqua | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | X | 7 | 7 | 1 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Big Bend | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 2 |
|
Umpqua | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | X | 7 | 8 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Big Bend | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 1 |
|
Umpqua | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | X | 3 | 4 | 0 |
The Big Bend Vikings opened their season this past weekend with an eight-hour road trip south to take on Umpqua Community College. The four-game set showcased strong pitching performances but inconsistency on both sides of the ball, as BBCC began the year 1–3.
Game one belonged to the Vikings' pitching staff. BBCC held Umpqua to just two runs on seven hits, securing their first win of the season, 3–2. Sophomore right-hander Chase Fleming got the start and worked 2 1/3 innings, surrendering just one run before turning it over to the bullpen. Cole McKinnon, Nelson Ahumada, and Ricardo Leon Guerrero II combined to hang zero after zero, locking down the victory.
Offensively, the Vikings struck early in the second inning, putting up a three-run frame highlighted by RBIs from Keagan Pacheco and Rylan Osbjornsen. That proved to be just enough run support behind the stellar pitching effort.
Game two told a different story. Josh Stirm took the mound and delivered two-plus innings, allowing two runs on no hits while walking three and striking out three. Defensive miscues plagued the Vikings in the middle innings, leading to a cascade of unearned runs in what turned into a 7–0 loss. BBCC's offense struggled to find rhythm, collecting just two early hits while committing four errors defensively.
In game three, Texas freshman left-hander Karter Wilson was nothing short of spectacular. Wilson fired four shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two. However, once Umpqua broke through against the bullpen, momentum shifted. The Vikings managed to string together some hits but couldn't capitalize, ultimately falling 7–2.
Game four featured Japanese freshman left-hander Ryu Murase, who threw two innings of one-hit baseball, allowing one run and striking out two. Trailing 3–2 late, BBCC looked poised for a comeback. Cooper Roberts delivered a dominant two-inning relief appearance to keep the Vikings within striking distance, but the offense couldn't push across the tying run. Redshirt sophomore Ryley Doig led the way at the plate with two hits, though BBCC ultimately dropped the finale, 3–2.
The Vikings now turn their focus to next weekend as they prepare to travel to face the College of Southern Idaho in non-league action, aiming to build consistency and momentum early in the season.