ROSEBURG, Ore. – Game 1 - In a gritty, extra-innings battle Thursday afternoon, Clark College clawed its way to a dramatic 3–2 walk-off victory over Yakima Valley, capped by Kaiden Hernandez's game-winning infield single in the bottom of the 10th.
The Penguins fell behind early after Yakima Valley's Matty Morin drove in two runs in the third inning with a single to left. Clark trailed 2–0 before beginning their comeback in the fourth, when Quentin Anguay singled home Trevin Long to halve the deficit.
Despite several scoring threats, Clark couldn't break through again until the ninth. With the season hanging in the balance, the Penguins showed nerves of steel. Down to their final outs, they loaded the bases and tied the game at 2–2 when Morrie Solam drew a clutch bases-loaded walk to force in the tying run.
The momentum carried into the 10th inning, where Andrew Israel reached base and eventually came around to score the winning run on Hernandez's slow roller to the pitcher's mound that he beat out for an infield single, sealing the victory.
On the mound, Evan McGuire was sensational in relief, tossing 5.2 shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out four and earning the win. Starter Tyler Ramelli battled through 4.1 innings of two-run ball, while McGuire shut the door to keep Clark within striking distance.
Clark's bullpen outlasted Yakima's stellar starter Jackson Walker, who struck out nine over nine strong innings. But the Penguins wore down Yakima's relievers in extras and capitalized at just the right moments.
With this win, Clark earned a crucial victory as they had a quick set change to begin a three-game series against the Umpqua Riverhawks.
- -
ROSEBURG, Ore. – Game 2 - The Clark College Penguins continued their strong stretch of post season play with a well-rounded 3–1 win over Umpqua on Thursday afternoon, thanks to timely hitting, solid defense, and a dominant performance on the mound.
Right-hander Taylor Langworthy set the tone with five gritty innings, allowing just one unearned run on four hits while working around five walks. Despite some early traffic, Langworthy held his composure and stranded runners in key spots.
The Penguins fell behind 1–0 in the top of the second when a misplay in left field allowed Noah Cox to come around and score. But Clark quickly responded. In the fourth, Evan McGuire tied the game with an infield RBI single, plating Kobin Mullins.
In the sixth, it was Quentin Anguay who delivered again with a line-drive single to left, scoring Trevin Long and giving Clark a 2–1 lead they wouldn't relinquish. The Penguins added insurance in the seventh when Andrew Israel, who finished 3-for-4, roped a single to center to score Landon Criste.
With the lead in hand, freshman Rylan Taguchi entered in the sixth and was brilliant in relief. The righty retired 12 of the 14 batters he faced over four hitless innings to notch his first save of the season.
Clark's pitching staff held Umpqua to just four hits while striking out two and issuing six walks. Despite two errors, the Penguins' defense made key plays to support the staff, including managing three sacrifice attempts from Umpqua without giving up additional runs.
With the win, Clark improves its position in the series and gains momentum as they take on the Riverhawks again today at 1PM. The team continues to show resilience and depth, especially in tight, low-scoring affairs.
---
For the latest news and results, follow Clark Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date with the latest happenings!
