GRANTS PASS – Roseburg’s Jace Stoffal came within one out of tossing his third complete game of the season, but still earned his fifth win by allowing one run on four hits in a 3-1 win against the Grants Pass Cavemen on Tuesday.
Stoffal pitched 6 2/3 innings and recorded seven strike outs and four walks. He gave up his only run in the second inning. Grants Pass got back-to-back singles from Braeden Bellum and Nate Morgan and Matt Knight drove in the go-ahead run with a ground out to shortstop.
The Cavemen (6-13; 3-8 SWC) didn’t get another hit off of Stoffal until the seventh inning. Knight and Sean Tobin each reached base with singles, putting the game-tying run at first. Sophomore Jett Black came in to relieve Stoffal and struck out Andrew Medley to earn his first save of the season.
Roseburg (12-5; 8-4 SWC) got on the board in the fourth inning against Grants Pass starter Nate Morgan. The senior had held the Indians hitless over the first three frames, but Caden Johnson notched a one-out single to break the no-hitter. Jonathan Stone followed with a single to left field and Brody Black drove both runners in with a double into the left field corner.
Brody drove in Roseburg’s third run in the sixth inning with a two-out single. He smashed a sharp ground ball down the third base line to score Caden Johnson from second and give the Tribe an insurance run.
Morgan took the loss for the Cavemen. He gave up five hits, walked two, and struck out one. Brody Black finished 2-for-3 with three RBI for the Indians.
Roseburg remains in second place in the Southwest Conference. The Indians hold a one-game lead over third place South Eugene, which beat Willamette 8-4 on Tuesday.
The Indians have a bye on Saturday and will get back to action on Tuesday with a home game against conference leader South Medford.
RHS 000;201;0 – 3;5;0
GPHS 010;000;0 – 1;4;0
Stoffal, J. Black and Jacks. Morgan and Hood. W – Jace Stoffal (5-0). L – Nate Morgan. S – Jett Black (1).
2B: J. Black (R).