May 31, 2006

LEWISTON, Idaho - Sophomore right-hander Chris Kissock tossed a six-hitter to help Lewis-Clark State College win its fourth straight loser-out contest by defeating the University of British Columbia 4-1 in the 50^th annual Avista NAIA World Series at LCSC's Harris Field on Wednesday.

 

The victory means LCSC, 46-8 overall, will play in its 19^th championship game and seek its 14 title, both NAIA bests. Lubbock Christian University and undefeated Cumberland University of Lebanon, Tenn., meet later Wednesday night. A Cumberland win would leave only two teams left in the Series, while an LCU win would mean an Lubbock Christian-Cumberland rematch on Thursday night with the winner playing LCSC on Friday night for the title. Series rules stipulate that if three teams remain and one hasn't had a bye yet, it will receive a bye into the championship game. Cumberland and Lubbock Christian both have received second-round byes while LCSC has yet to receive a bye, and thus would earn the bye on Thursday night.

 

Kissock quieted UBC bats after the Thunderbirds exploded for 36 runs in their first two games in the Series. Unfortunately for UBC, the Warriors have had their number this season, winning five of the six games they played.

 

Kissock, 9-2 overall, struck out eight and walked five, throwing 169 pitches in the contest. UBC, which finishes at 49-14 overall, did have some opportunities, but Kissock used both a slider and a fastball to work out of jams. The T-Birds stranded eight baserunners in the game.

 

LCSC broke on top 1-0 in the first inning when Justin Fuller reached on an error and moved to third on a single by Jessie Mier. Allen Balmer's single to center scored Fuller.

 

UBC, which was making its first Series appearance, tied the game in the top of the sixth when Mark Capone singled and made it to third when LCSC center-fielder Mark Thompson misplayed the ball. A single by Tyler Hughes made it 1-1.

 

The tie, however, was short lived as LCSC struck for two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Balmer started the rally with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Pinch-hitter Juan Verdejo followed with an RBI single and Paul Martin later added a run-scoring single.

 

The Warriors' final run came in the eighth when Verdejo, now the designated hitter, reached on a throwing error and scored on a fielding error. Only two of LCSC's four runs were earned in the game.

 

UBC starter Shawn Schaefer also pitched well. The left-hander allowed seven hits in six innings and gave up three runs and two walks. He also struck out three.

 

-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.