Raiders Walk It Off Sunday to Avoid Series Sweep Against Bellevue

After a tough Saturday, the Pierce Raiders returned home on Sunday, March 8th, splitting their doubleheader with Bellevue College. The Bulldogs won the opener 20-8, but Pierce answered with a dramatic 5-4 walk-off victory in the finale to avoid the series sweep.

Game One – Bellevue 20, Pierce 8

Bellevue’s offense surged early in Game one, building momentum and eventually pulling away in the high-scoring contest.

Pierce still produced several bright spots offensively. Jackson Copeland had a big day at the plate with three hits, including a home run and two RBI. Yacel Limonta added two hits and two RBI, while Andrew Dyk also homered and drove in two runs. Ethan Brimble chipped in with two hits as well.

Bellevue’s offensive outburst proved too much to overcome as the Bulldogs took the opener 20-8.

Game Two – Pierce 5, Bellevue 4

The Raiders regrouped quickly for Game two, delivering one of the most exciting finishes of the weekend.

Pierce received a strong start from Hunter Eisele, who tossed four scoreless innings, allowing just three hits. Braden Bedell followed with two scoreless frames to keep Bellevue off the scoreboard and give the Raiders a chance late.

At the plate, Andrew Dyk led the offense with three hits, including a home run, while Ethan Brimble added two hits and drove in two runs. Jackson Copeland and Nariyuki Dumlao each contributed an RBI as Pierce built a late lead.

In a dramatic seventh inning, Bellevue threatened another heartbreaking finish similar to Saturday’s opener. The Bulldogs scored four runs in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 4-4.

Pierce responded with its own rally in the bottom half of the inning.

Yacel Limonta led off the inning with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice hit by Hudson Cunningham. Eddie Winkley entered as a pinch runner for Limonta. Tristan Ringrose then drew a walk, with Santiago Guedez-Rodriguez pinch running for him. Nate Soto battled but struck out for the second out of the inning.

With two outs, Christian Dominno worked a full count and drew a walk to load the bases for Nariyuki Dumlao. Dumlao was then hit by a pitch, forcing Winkley home from third base and sealing the 5-4 walk-off victory for the Raiders.