Saints Pitchers Fan 24 in Sweep of Titans

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) baseball team earned a sweep on Friday to open a four-game series with Indiana University South Bend (IUSB). The Saints pitching staff fanned 24 IU South Bend batters in the two victories, including a 14-strikeout performance by game two starter, Donovan Gamez.

The Basics

Game 1: OLLU 5, IU South Bend 3

Game 2: OLLU 5, IU South Bend 2

Game One Recap

OLLU scored early and often in the series opener, plating runs in four-of-six innings in the win. Isaac Davila roped a one-out double down the field line to get things going. The Saints took advantage of an IU South Bend error in the opening frame as Jack Kalisky and Gavin Machado each picked up an RBI to put OLLU ahead 2-0.

Diego Zuniga was hit by a pitch with one out in the third and would move up 90 feet on Kalisky's second single of the game. After both runners moved up, Kalisky was picked off at second but stayed in a rundown long enough for Zuniga to reach home and add another run for OLLU.

The IU South Bend offense came alive in the fourth inning, recording two hits and scoring three runs in the frame to even the score at three.

In the home half of the fourth Machado sent a ball down the right field line that got past a diving right fielder for a leadoff triple. Christian Martinez came on to run for Machado and would score on a Jimmy Valle single to put the Saints back in front.

In the sixth, Juan Garcia came on to pinch hit and delivered an RBI single that scored Criztian Delgado who led off the inning with a walk.

Tyler Pauly came on in the seventh and issued a leadoff walk, but was able to pitch around it to earn his first save of the season.

Game Two Recap

The Saints struck early in the nightcap, scoring three runs in the bottom of second inning. Gavin Machado led things off with a single through the left side. Back-to-back walks from Ben Hovda and Brett Atkinson loaded the bases for OLLU. Brandon Betancourt drew a walk to plate the Saints' first run. Drew Saucedo singled to drive in a run and Isaac Davila was hit by a pitch to give the Saint the early lead.

In his first two innings of work, Gamez fanned five batters, but IU South Bend got to the righty in the third, when Jack Ryan turned on an inside pitch and sent it over the right field wall to make it a 3-2 game.

Over the next three innings, Gamez dominated IU South Bend hitters, striking out seven more.

It wasn't until the sixth inning the Saints would add a couple of insurance runs when Jack Kalisky singled up the middle to score Saucedo and Betancourt.

Gamez gave way to Kalisky in the seventh for a save opportunity. Kalisky added two strikeouts to the total and closed the door, securing the sweep.

Seven different Saints recorded a hit in the win.

Up Next

The Saints and Titans will play another doubleheader tomorrow to close out the series. First pitch at Missions Baseball Academy is set for 12:00 p.m.