Late runs push Roseburg to 4-2 win over South Medford

MEDFORD — The Roseburg Indians took care of business with a 4-2 Southwest Conference win over the South Medford Panthers on Tuesday at Harry and David Field.

Jake Johnson threw a complete-game three hitter and the Indians scored the go-ahead run on a double steal in the fourth inning to win the season series with the Panthers.

The victory sets up a showdown for first place in the conference standings with North Medford on Saturday. First place Roseburg holds a half-game lead over the Black Tornado with seven league games left to play.

Johnson struck out three batters and did not allow a walk through the seven inning game. The senior allowed just one earned run as he picked up his fifth pitching decision of the year.

Roseburg (12-5, 8-3 SWC) started the game with back-to-back singles by Paxton Burke and Dane St. Clair. Luke Robbins later hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly to give the Indians a 1-0 lead.

Kaden Austin reached base with a two-out single in the second inning and scored on a double to right field by Burke.

Austin and Burke both went 2-for-3 in the game.

South Medford (9-9, 5-7) tied the game in the third inning with help from a fielding error. Tristan Mallari reached on a ball bobbled by Burke at shortstop. Brad Love followed with a single and Easton Douglas reached on a bunt single to load the bases.

Keegan Painter plated Mallari with a sacrifice fly and Evan Rhoden tied the game with an RBI single to left field.

The Indians got out of the inning with a double-play to shutdown South Medford’s scoring threat.

Roseburg regained the lead in the next half inning. AJ Black took a one-out walk and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt. Austin poked a two-out single past shortstop to put runners on the corners.

The Indians scored the go-ahead run on some aggressive base running. Austin took off early from first and intentionally got into a rundown, allowing Black to steal home just ahead of Austin getting tagged for the final out of the frame.

Danner Wertz added an insurance run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly that scored Luke Robbins.

Roseburg will head back to Medford on Saturday for a noon doubleheader with North Medford. The Indians beat the Black Tornado 3-1 on April 8 in Roseburg.

Roseburg;110;101;0;—;4;7;1

S. Medford;002;000;0;—;2;3;0

J. Johnson and Bowers; Lewis, Robertson (7) and Douglas. W — Johnson (5-1). L — Lewis (2-3). 2B — Burke (R), C. Robbins (R).