May 25, 2007

LEWISTON, Idaho - Jeff Nicholas hit a two-run single to cap a three-run eighth inning to help No. 10 seed Walsh University defeat No. 7 seed St. Thomas University 3-2 in the opening round of the 51st annual Avista NAIA World Series at Lewis-Clark State College's Harris Field on Friday.

Walsh, 29-28 overall, trailed 2-0 going into the eighth inning but struck for four hits and three runs off St. Thomas starter Eddie Machin, who had pretty much cruised to that point.

Chad Campbell got the rally started with a single, and Ryan Indorf and Jason Pettigrew followed with singles to load the bases with no outs. Relief pitcher Osmar Chaviano walked Rollin Matsui to force in a run, and after a strikeout, Nicholas followed with his shallow single to right field to put Walsh ahead.

The outburst helped Walsh starter Andy Schon go the distance to pick up the win. The senior right-hander allowed nine hits and two walks, but also struck out 10 to improve to 9-5 on the season.

St. Thomas, 46-15-1, had its chances, but left nine runners on base. Until the big inning, Machin had shut down Walsh. He ended up with a seven-hitter and he struck out six and walked three.

St. Thomas took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a solo home run by Angel Hernandez. The Bobcats made it 2-0 in the sixth when two singles and a hit batter loaded the bases. Adrian Gonzalez then grounded into a fielder's choice, which allowed a run to score.

Pettigrew had two of Walsh's eight hits in the game. Hernandez went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored for St. Thomas, while teammate Daniel DiFabio went 3-for-4 with a run scored.

The win allowed Walsh to climb above .500 for only the second time this season. Walsh will now play No. 2 seed Spring Arbor of Michigan on Saturday at 3 p.m., Pacific time. St. Thomas will face the loser of the Friday's game between Lee and Lewis-Clark State at noon on Saturday.