FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 5^th, 2024
 
Milwaukie, Ore.| The Knights started a series against the Fighting Saints of Carroll College today in front of a solid crowd on a beautiful day at Milwaukie High School.
 
Game One
The Knights in the first game had their chances but ultimately fell to the Saints by a final score of 6-1. The Knights scored their one run in the third inning when Kili Makanani hit a solid single to left center field plating Jordyn Rosario who hit a single right before Makanani's plate appearance. Rosario's single in that inning was one of the better at-bats of the season for the Knights as she saw 10-plus pitches fouling off multiple pitches before earning her single.
 
Nia Tate got the start in this game pitching 2.2 innings giving up four runs all earned on six hits. Tate struck out one, gave up no walks, and hit one batter as well. Makanani came on in relief of Tate pitching the last 4.1 innings giving up two runs all earned on just two hits. Makanani struck out two, walked four, and hit two Saints batters.
 
Makanani led the way for the Knights in game one with two hits. Jordyn Rosario, Briana Munoz, Maddie Gamble, and Kylie Lester each checked in with one hit as well.
 
Game Two
The Knights in game two played some great defense in a 4-1 loss to the Saints. The Knights did have their chances to tie the game but unfortunately came up short. The Knights banged out six hits and after giving up four runs in the first inning, pitched six clean innings giving the Knights bats a chance to get back into the game. The Knights in the sixth inning scored their first and only run of the game on a Maddie Gamble single to left field scoring Briana Munoz who reached on a single the batter before. After Makanani walked, the Knights all of a sudden had two on. Manager, Ashton Porter, made the decision to pinch-hit Rachel Behn for Nikki O'Reilly to see if Behn who is a power hitter could get ahold of one and tie the game. Unfortunately, Behn grounded out harmlessly to the Saints pitcher ending the frame. In the bottom of the seventh, the Knights had a similar situation with two runners on base and a power hitter in the form of Munoz coming to the plate with two outs. Munoz grounded out to second to end the game.
 
Munoz got the start pitching the first inning giving up four runs all earned on five hits. Abby Carlson pitched the last six innings of the game and pitched six sensational innings giving up just four hits, no runs, allowed one base on balls, and had one strikeout. Carlson was helped out by some fine defensive gems by the Knights. Kylie Lester in the fourth inning came up with a gem of a catch on a line drive off to her left. She dove with her body parallel to the ground making the amazing play. In the seventh inning, a Saints batter hit a line drive right back at Carlson on the mound down by her knees. Carlson somehow was able to get her glove down to her side and snag the ball before it got by her.
 
Jordyn Rosario led the way for the Knights with two hits in the game. Kylie Lester, Briana Munoz, Maddie Gamble, and Jovita Laloulu each had a hit apiece to help the Knights as well.
 
Next Up
The Knights will play two more against Carroll College again tomorrow but will be at a different location. The games will be at 11am and 1pm out at Hood View Park at Nelson High School.