Tacoma Ends LCC's Undefeated Streak With 9-8 Win

LONGVIEW, Wash. — Tacoma Community College (17-16, 11-9) edged out Lower Columbia College (38-8, 20-0) with a 9-8 victory in game 1 in a tense battle at David Story Field on Thursday. Tacoma scored five runs in the fifth inning, which was pivotal in securing the win. Notably, this victory marked the first time LCC was defeated in conference play, ending their undefeated streak.

Tacoma opened the scoring in the third inning when Nate Jetton singled and advanced on a walk by Kaden Cretti. Ty Iddon then hit an RBI single, bringing Jetton home. Brayden Buck followed with a sacrifice fly to left field, allowing Cretti to score. Tacoma led 2-1 after three innings.

In the fifth inning, TCC's offense capitalized on multiple walks. Clayton Crooks was hit by a pitch, and Jetton and Cretti each walked to load the bases. Iddon and Buck earned RBI walks, and a wild pitch allowed another run to score. Braden Jones added a sacrifice fly, expanding Tacoma's lead to 7-6 through five innings.

Tacoma added a run in the sixth as Jetton singled, Cretti followed with another single, and Iddon hit a single to load the bases. Buck was hit by a pitch, driving in Jetton. Tacoma held an 8-6 lead through six innings.

LCC tied the game in the seventh with two runs, setting the score at 8-8 through seven innings. The game remained tied until the 10th inning.

In the top of the 10th, Crooks singled and was advanced by a sacrifice bunt from Jetton. Cretti then delivered an RBI single, scoring Crooks and giving Tacoma a one-run lead. Tacoma secured the victory with a final score of 9-8 over LCC.

Butch Kiblen pitched 5 innings, allowing 10 hits and 6 earned runs, while striking out 3 batters and walking 2. Connor Speer followed with 2 innings of relief, giving up 5 hits and 2 earned runs, striking out 1. Atticus Manning closed out the game with 3 innings, issuing 5 walks but not allowing any earned runs, securing his second win of the season.

Tacoma Top Performers

Ty Iddon
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- 2 hits
- 2 RBIs
- 1 run

Brayden Buck
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- 3 RBIs
- 1 run
- 1 walk

Nate Jetton
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- 3 runs
- 2 hits
- 1 walk

Kaden Cretti
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- 2 runs
- 2 hits
- 1 RBI
- 2 walks

Clayton Crooks
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- 2 runs
- 1 hit

Go Titans!