LINCOLN, Calif. – Playing host to the Menlo College Oaks for the second time this season Tuesday, the Warriors looked poised to get back in the win column. Taking an interesting approach to the game pitching wise, the Warriors used nine different pitchers Tuesday, and their offense provided a needed rally in the middle innings in route to a 6-3 victory.
Entering the bottom of the sixth tied at 2-2, Jessup got the offense going as they loaded the bases with just one out. Catcher Dakota Spillers stepped up to the plate and drove a ball over the head of the left field, driving in the go ahead run. Another run would score on the play after a throwing error. Two more runs would score later in the inning on a single to right field by Joey Torres.
Jessup's first two runs of the day came in the fourth inning after an RBI single from Joshua Duitsman, and then a sacrifice fly from Justin Chase. The runs came after Menlo had struck for two in the third on a solo home run and then a wild pitch which allowed a run to score.
Danny Vietti got the starting nod for the Warriors, and he tossed a perfect first inning before being replaced. Jessup would use a different pitcher in every inning Tuesday. Jacob Wilson tossed a scoreless sixth inning in the win, and he would be awarded the victory, his first of the season.
Sam Curtis played an interesting role in the victory Tuesday. The junior started in centerfield and went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored. Curtis also pitched in the victory, striking out two in the ninth as he earned his first save of the season.
The pitching staff in total Tuesday for Jessup allowed just three hits, while also striking out eight batters in the process. Menlo scored their third and final run of the day in the top of the seventh thanks to another solo home run, this time over the fence in left-center field.
Menlo College entered the day ranked No. 6 in the nation per the latest NAIA Baseball Coaches' Top 25 Poll. Jessup and Menlo previously met one month ago on February 14, when the Oaks took the victory 14-4.
Jessup will get back on the field this weekend as they travel down to Fullerton to start a three-game series with Hope International University. The series starts with one game on Friday, and will conclude with a doubleheader Saturday. The Warriors return home to McBean park in Lincoln on March 24 to play host to San Diego Christian College.
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William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).
