CALDWELL, Idaho. – The Park University Gilbert baseball team (11-19) once again struggled at the plate, only managing three hits over 10 innings in a 2-1 loss to the College of Idaho (9-20) in the closing game of a four-game set at Wolfe Field
This game was scoreless until the ninth inning. Park Gilbert got its first hit of the day in the first inning, a single off the bat of Kelher Murfitt. The Buccaneers did not get another hit until the ninth when Alex Moreno and Cooper Williams led off the frame with back to back doubles to give the Bucs a 1-0 lead.
Close closer Diego Bustillos who almost gave up a 10th inning lead to the Coyotes yesterday in game one of the double header, could not hold on to this lead as two singles to start the ninth followed by a fielder's choice, allowed the Coyotes to knot the contest at one.
Then after the Buccaneers went quietly in the top of the 10th, the Coyotes ended things in the bottom half. Pinch hitter Caden Leiblein led off with a walk, was run for by Avert Rambur and he was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Weston Miller singled to put runners at the corners – and following an intentional walk to Jonah Hultberg, Ryan Nolan chopped a 0-1 pitch in front of the second base bag – with Rambur scoring ahead of the throw home to end the game.
The silent Buccaneer bats led to a no decision for Bucs starter Aaron de Groot who threw an absolute gem, going seven scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and striking out nine. Chase Provencio threw a scoreless eighth.
Park Gilbert returns home for a midweek contest against Ottawa (Ariz.) on Wednesday, March 11 at the Tempe Diablo baseball complex at 6 p.m.
