May 27, 2006

LEWISTON, Idaho - Catch Jessie Mier had three hits and drove in three runs to help top-ranked Lewis-Clark State College bounce back with a 9-3 win over Saint Xavier University in loser-out play at the 50^th annual Avista NAIA World Series at Harris Field.

The Warriors, ranked No. 1 in the NAIA all season and the No. 3 seed in the 10-team double-elimination tournament, fell to No. 6 seed Lubbock Christian 4-3 in Friday's opening round, but bounced back less than 13 hours later to handle the Cougars of Chicago.

Meir got LCSC rolling early with three runs in the first with a two-run double. Earlier in the inning Justin Fuller singled in a run as the Warriors put together four hits to do the damage.

Saint Xavier, the No. 10 seed, picked up a run in the second when LCSC turned a double play with the bases loaded.

The score remained close until the bottom of the sixth when the Warriors erupted for six runs, all with two outs. After an error extended the inning, Allen Balmer hit a two-run single and Jose Castenon and Mier followed with RBI singles. A double steal and a wild pitch brought in the final two runs.

St. Xavier didn't go away quietly, scoring a run apiece in the eighth and ninth innings, but seven walks and three errors, along with 13 hits by the Warriors, gave LCSC plenty of opportunities to do damage. Even with the outburst, LCSC left 12 runners stranded on base.

Balmer, Castenon and Mark Thompson added two hits apiece for the Warriors, 43-8 overall, while Brendan Christy led Saint Xavier, 33-27, with two hits.

St. Xavier starter Dan Miller lasted only one inning and gave up four hits and three runs. In all, three Cougar pitchers allowed only two earned runs.

LCSC starter Austin Weilep went seven innings and allowed three hits and one earned run before giving way to Max Hibbs.

LCSC resume action on Monday at noon, Pacific time, when it plays the loser of Saturday's Concordia vs. Embry-Riddle contest.

-NAIA-

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada.