EAGLE POINT, Ore – The Klamath Falls Falcons (19-6-1; 9-2) split an area doubleheader with the North Jackson Royals (6-4; 6-4) on July 3rd at Eagle Point High School. Here is how each game unfolded…
GAME 1: Klamath Falls 6, North Jackson 2
P.J. Safford tossed his second complete game of the season, punching out five batters en route to an opening-game win against the Royals.
North Jackson notched the first run of the ballgame in the bottom of the second when Braden Nugent lined a double, scoring Collin Stockton. The Falcons answered with three runs in the top of the third, with an RBI single from Kollin Tacchini, and Safford knocking in two runs later in the frame. The Falcons also added single runs in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings to earn the victory.
At the plate, Max Price finished 2-4 with a run scored and two RBI. Safford added two hits and two RBI, while Tacchini was 1-3 with a run scored and two RBI. Corbin Hamilton extended his hitting streak, going 2-3. For the Royals, Skylar Tribur was 1-2, and Nugent was 1-3 with an RBI.
GAME 2: North Jackson 2, Klamath Falls 1
A bases-loaded base hit from Nathan Mallari in the bottom of the ninth inning pushed the Royals to a walk-off victory in the nightcap.
After the teams traded four scoreless frames in regulation, the Royals started the bottom of the ninth with a groundout, but after back-to-back walks and a single loaded the bases, Mallari only needed a sharp groundball to left field to send the North Jackson fans home happy.
The Falcons scored the first run of the game in the third inning when Corbin Hamilton touched home on a wild pitch. The Royals also scored their only run in regulation on a wild pitch in the fourth inning, allowing Braden Nugent in.
Both teams had ample opportunities to take the lead, with the Royals leaving a runner stranded at third base in the fifth and sixth innings. The Falcons left the bases loaded in the fifth, and more runners in scoring position in the seventh and eighth innings. In total, North Jackson left six RISP while the Falcons left five.
This game featured eight total pitchers and plenty of big performances. The win went to Collin Stockton, who pitched the final 2.2 innings for the Royals without allowing a hit. The loss went to Corbin Hamilton, who pitched 1.1 innings for the Falcons, allowing one run. Kollin Tacchini pitched 2.0 innings in relief and wiggled out of a jam in the sixth inning, leaving runners at second and third base. Max Price was the starting pitcher, and despite not earning a decision, pitched 5.0 innings, allowing six hits, one run, and striking out seven batters.
The Falcons struggled at the plate, only mustering three hits. Hamilton was 2-3, extending his hitting streak to 16 games, and Ryan Glidden was 1-1. For the Royals, Nugent was 3-4 with a run scored, and Mallari was 2-4 with an RBI.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Royals had a pair of games on July 6th against Grants Pass and swept the Diggers 18-5 and 16-0. They’ll take on Central Point on July 8th. The Falcons are also in action on the 8th when they host the South Medford Colts for a doubleheader at Kiger Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
