PORTLAND, Ore. – A clutch four-run fifth inning, on top of a complete game, two-hit performance by Kim Nelson, lifted the Saints to a 4-1 victory over the 2017 NAIA National Runner-Up Corban University at the first day of the Cavalier Classic.
 
Macy Uyehara doubled to left center, scoring two runs and putting Saint Martin's (4-6) on top over Corban (7-4) in the fifth inning. RBI singles by Kim Nelson and Tessani Dixon scored two more insurance runs, while Kim Nelson (3-2) picked up the win after a dominating complete game, two-hit, one-run performance.
 
In the top of the first, Corban struck first, with runners reaching on a walk and an error. With runners on the corners, the Warriors attempted a double-steal, which worked and brought home their lone run of the game. The Saints worked out of the inning on a double play groundout in the next batter.
 
The Saints' offense struggled to connect multiple hits in an inning until the fifth, when Nicki DeHan singled through the right side, followed by a Sabrina Hicks double. With runners on second and third, Uyehara delivered the clutch hit, scoring both runners on a double. After a groundout, Lindsay Miller singled, and Nelson added a run on a single to center field. The Saints final run of the inning came on a single to center field by Dixon.
 
Nelson polished off the sixth inning 1-2-3 before an error in the seventh allowed a runner to reach third base. Nelson sealed the victory on a groundout to the second baseman to strand the runner on third.
 
Devyn Connolly and DeHan each recorded two hits while the Saints scored four runs on nine hits and three walks. Only one Saint struck out all game.
 
We played a solid game and got a couple timely hits today," said head coach Jim Peterson. Kim (Nelson) pitched very well and Macy (Uyehara) came thru with a clutch extra base hit right when we needed it."
 
The Saints wrapped up the first day of the Cavalier Classic, hosted by Concordia, with a game against NAIA opponent Eastern Oregon.