ROSEBURG – Making his first start at the varsity level, Roseburg freshman Doran Gillespie hit a two-out single in the bottom of the sixth inning to drive in what would be the winning runs in a 6-4 victory for the Tribe over Willamette on Tuesday night.

Gillespie was called up from the junior varsity squad and started the game as Roseburg’s designated hitter. He came through in a clutch moment, spring boarding the Indians back in front after they had given up the lead in the fifth inning.

Roseburg got back-to-back runners on base thanks to a singe by Luke Lucido and an error on a ground ball hit by Carson Townsend. Zack Mandera got on thanks to a bean ball from Willamette reliever Peyton Bracy, loading the bases for Gillespie.

The freshman delivered on a 1-1 pitch from Bracy. Gillespie drove a line drive to centerfield, scoring Lucido and Townsend to break a 4-4 tie.

Roseburg starter Cody Johnson finished off the game in the top of the seventh with a 1-2-3 inning to preserve the victory. Johnson went the distance in a game for just the second time all season. He allowed five hits and three earned runs, while striking out eight and walking none.

The Indians’ offense backed up Johnson by scoring three runs in the first inning off of Willamette starter Ryan Chesla. Lucido drove in two with a triple and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Mandera.

Roseburg added another run in the fourth inning. Brendan Ibarra scored on a sacrifice bunt by Spencer six to make the score 4-2.

Willamette evened the score in the fifth on a triple by Bracy. Both Wolverines’ runs were scored by runners who reached base after getting hit by pitches from Johnson.

Roseburg stays tied with Grants Pass for fourth place in the Southwest Conference, after both teams won on Tuesday. The Cavemen shutout South Eugene 3-0. The final automatic playoff spot out of the conference will come down to the final games of the season.

The Indians will face North Medford for a doubleheader on Thursday. If Roseburg can sweep the twin bill, the Tribe will be guaranteed a fourth place finish. Lose one or more games and the Indians will need to rely on other teams losing or their OSAA ranking to get them into the post season.

Roseburg and North Medford play Thursday at Legion Field. Game one of the doubleheader begins at 2 p.m. Follow the games on the radio on 1490 The Score or watch online at 541radio.com.

WILLAMETTE 010; 120; 0 – 4;5;3
ROSEBURG 300; 102; X – 6;8;2
Chesla, Hefner (5), Bracy (6) and Thorn. Johnson and Six. WP – Johnson (3-5). LP – Bracy.
2B – W: Bracy. 3B – W: Bracy. R: Lucido

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