Saltzman's hit helps lead University into a tie for first

IRVINE – University's baseball team pushed across two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat Woodbridge, 3-2, Friday afternoon at University, moving the Trojans into a tie for first place in the Pacific Coast League.

The Trojans (16-5, 8-3) won the game in the seventh inning on a two-out single to center field by Ethan Saltzman which drove in Cody Bohlman, who had reached on an infield hit.

Itai Reuveni drove in Mako Allbee, who singled, on a groundout, to tie the game.

"I was just trying to stay back and not get out in front and hit something right back up the middle," Saltzman said.

Saltzman also had a game-winning hit in a nonleague game earlier in the season against Oxford Academy.

It marked the ninth victory in a row overall (six in the PCL) for the Trojans, who face Beckman in a two-game series next week. Northwood defeated Beckman, 8-5 to put Uni and Beckman in a tie for the top spot.

Jordan Scheftz (7-2) got the victory, scattering five hits. Chris Lumanlan (1-6) also pitched well for Woodbridge.

"It was a really good ball game, I thought both pitchers did really well," University Coach Chris Conlin said. "We were fortunate enough in the end that we were able to put the ball in play and Ethan is a really good hitter. He had a good day today and came through in the clutch."

Woodbridge (7-14, 4-7) had an early 2-0 lead. Brandon Smith singled to lead off the game.

Chad Jacob then doubled and Smith came in on a passed ball. Takumi Usui drove home Jacob on a sacrifice fly.

University cut the lead to 2-1 in the third inning. Reuveni singled and scored on Saltzman's double.

But Scheftz kept the Trojans close, blanking the Warriors the rest of the way. Scheftz struck out six, walked two and hit a batter.

University will host Beckman on Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.