BYU overtakes Warriors; L-C strikes out 18 times, done in by Cougars' three-run eighth inning

Copyright of The Trib

PROVO, Utah -- Brigham Young scored three times in the eighth inning to break a tie, and the Cougars went on to beat Lewis-Clark State 5-2 on Tuesday afternoon.

The Warriors, who suffered their third consecutive loss against NCAA Division I competition, struck out 18 times and committed four errors.

After scoring a run in the seventh to tie the Warriors (28-6) 2-all, BYU (24-8-1) took the lead with three hits and a walk in the eighth. Ben Saylor put the Cougars ahead with an RBI single, chasing L-C starter Kyle Wright in the process. His relief, Chris Kis-sock, yielded a two-run double to Adrian Molina.

BYU scored the game's initial run in the second, then L-C pulled even in the sixth as a Joey Dyche single drove in Justin Fuller, who had reached with a one-out double. But the Cougars doused a potential rally when the subsequent hitter, Paul Keck, struck out and was called for batter's interference; Dyche, attempting to steal second, was declared out.

L-C briefly took the lead via Josh Celigoy's RBI single in the seventh.

BYU starter Matt Jensen struck out 13 over six innings, a Cougar season-high. Justin Su'a (4-1), who relieved Jensen in the seventh, finished the game, allowing three hits while fanning an additional five.

Wright, who gave up nine hits while striking out four and walking two, suffered his first loss of the season, falling to 4-1.

The Warriors conclude this road swing today, taking on Utah Valley State at nearby Orem. L-C already has a victory over the Wolverines this year, having beaten them 18-3 during the Banana Belt Tournament in March.