Tritons Walk Off LC in 19th To Earn Series Split

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Justin Polzin ended a long nightcap with a
game-winning hit Saturday. 

LYNNWOOD – NWAC No. 3-ranked Edmonds swept No. 2 Lower Columbia at home Saturday, 6-3 and 2-1. Justin Polzin's line drive walk off in the 19th inning capped the dramatic nightcap. With the two triumphs at home Edmonds split the series with the defending NWAC champions. it was LCC sweeping Edmonds the day before, in Longview, 8-2 and 7-6. 

The pitching was the story in game two Saturday as 18 consecutive innings came and went with no runs being scored. Both staffs weathered storms, wiggling out of several jams throughout the contest.

The 19th provided all 3 runs of the game, first with a Lower Columbia sac fly by Cameron Campbell in the top half. Edmonds answered in the bottom: Chris Okura beat out an infield single, Hunter Henry drew a walk, and both moved up on a wild pitch. After a strikeout, Shane Hanon worked a 3-2 count and walked to load the bases. Zach Needham then tied the game at 1-1 with another walk. The stage was set for freshman catcher Justin Polzin.

Polzin, who had not reached base in his previous 7 plate appearances, followed with a line drive to deep center field scoring the game winner. Final score: Edmonds 2, Lower Columbia 1. The Tritons extra-inning instant classic stamped the end of their non-league slate.

There were notable pitching performances on both sides. For Edmonds, Blake Randazzo started and tossed 7 shutout innings. Jason Shevenko (3 IP), Kelly Fromm (6 IP), and Nick Johnston (2 IP) also allowed no runs to cross. LC's starter Tyler Parsons logged 8 plus scoreless innings and reliever Max Tilton was equally impressive, throwing 8 plus innings of zeroes himself.

Edmonds came from behind in the opener, trailing 2-0 after 4 innings. They tied the game in the 5th and used a 4-run 6th to pull ahead for good. C.J. Blowers got the win and Austin Whitehouse earned the saved. Chris Okura and Steven Weber were both 2-for-3 with multiple RBI's.

EdCC (11-5) opens NWAC North Region play at home, Saturday April 2nd when local foe Shoreline (5-11) comes to Triton Field. First pitch of the doubleheader is 1 pm. In a change this year, both league contents will now be 9 inning games. The Tritons are the two-time defending North Region champions.