This weekend hurled the Redhawks Baseball program (19-33-1, 8-16 WAC) into the Western Athletic Conference tournament after losing a series against Utah valley (18-34, 11-13 WAC). Although Seattle U ultimately lost to the Wolverines, losses by Universty of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Chicago State propelled the Redhawks out of their regular season and into the fight for the WAC Championship.
Griffin Andreychuk and Nelson Taylor pose with their families on Senior Day.
Seattle U started the weekend off on a high note with a 4-1 win against Utah Valley on Thursday at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue. The Redhawks started strong in the game with 2 runs in the first inning and continued making runs into the fourth inning, with the Wolverines gaining only a single run in the fifth inning. Senior Aaron Stroosma went 3-3, collecting three of the Redhawks four hits on the day. Stroosma was also named to the Second Team All- Conference on Tuesday.
The Redhawks suffered losses on both days after their first win, losing 3-2 on Friday and 8-5 on Saturday.
Friday was Senior Day for the Seattle U men’s Baseball team, and a group of graduating seniors were honored before the game. Griffin Andreychuk, Connor Moore, Aaron Stroosma and Student Assistant Coach Nelson Taylor were all honored.
On Friday, Seattle U started strong with 2 runs in the first inning.They kept their lead until the third inning, when Utah Valley tied up the game with 2 runs. The Redhawks were able to keep the tie going until the tenth inning, when Utah Valley hit what would be the game winning home run and Seattle U failed to follow with a run. Andreychuk also earned the record of all-time hit leader for the Redhawks, collecting hit number 213 with a single in the first inning.
“What an accomplishment,” said Head Coach Donny Harrel. “I thought Brian Olson was the best hitter we’ve had here, but [Griffin] has been grinding it out for four years now. He has been a catalyst for us since he’s been here and his work ethic is fantastic. He is a Redhawk for life, one of the best we have had, and it is a great compliment to him for getting that record.”
On Saturday, the Redhawks needed a win but couldn’t pull it out, getting help from some other teams in the conference to make it into the conference tournament as the six- seed. After going up 4-0, their offense fell flat and the pitching staff couldn’t hold on to the lead.
“We have to look in the mirror,” Harrel said. “We aren’t seizing moments as they are available. But, we could be in Corvallis two weeks from now in a regional if we can get our act together. The bottom line is we get a chance to play a little longer. A new season starts Wednesday.”
Harrel wasn’t pleased with his team’s performance, but they still made the tournament. They travel to Mesa, AZ to take on Sacramento State at 7 p.m. in the first round of the tournament. A win would send them to face conference leader New Mexico State and a loss would put them in the losers bracket, with a chance to play back around in the double- elimination style tournament.
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