The Power were on pace for their first loss of the season but had a furious rally in the 8th inning scoring four runs to take an 8-5 lead. Austin Lord then closed it out in the 9th to give the Power their sixth win of the season against the visiting Novato Knicks. Tanner Kiest started the game for the Power but only retired one batter after loading the bases and then walking in a run. Hayden Rogers relieved him and hit another batter to give the Knicks a 2-0 lead. The Power tied up the game in the 2nd inning but the Knicks scored three more runs in the 3rd inning to take a 5-2 lead. Alex Mistuloff out of Chico State made his Power debut tonight throwing 4 innings in relief, giving up three hits, striking out three, and most importantly giving up no runs.
In the 5th inning, catcher Colby Hamilton led off the inning with a single and Conor Klein followed that with a RBI triple. Hayden Nielsen had a sacrifice fly to give the Power another run and cut to lead to one run. In the 8th inning, Hunter Bening led off the inning with a walk. Turner Clouse then doubled bringing Bening home and tying the game. Trent Pell pinch-hit and singled, and then AJ Young pinch-hit and singled bringing Clouse home and giving the Power their first lead of the game. Jake Howeth followed that with a triple scoring Pell and Young and giving the Power an 8-5 lead they would not relinquish.
AJ Young had some thoughts on his big 9th inning at bat, and said “It’s always good to come through at a clutch time and it feels good to do well and help out your teammates.” Alex Mistuloff also talked about his debut and facing hitters he is familiar with from Chico State. “It helps a little bit and adds some fuel to the fire. Sonoma State are rivals for us at Chico so it adds a little something extra.” About coming in down 5-2, Alex said, “I knew I had to hold down the fort for the team and I know if I can throw strikes then I’m going to be successful out there.” The Power face the Knicks again tomorrow night at 7:05pm and then the OC Bulldogs on Sunday night, another 7:05 pm start time.
