ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The opening day of the GNAC baseball season did not go the way the Saints had hoped for, dropping both ends of a doubleheader to Central Washington, 10-4 and 2-1.
 
The Saints continued to rack up strikeouts, punching out 16 Wildcats' batters over the course of 14 innings, highlighted by Tanner Inouye's nine strike out performance. The junior pitched six strong innings, only allowing two runs on four hits; however, it was all the Wildcats needed as they pounced on the Saints in the opening innings. The Saints bats collected 12 hits over the two games, but were unable to manufacture runs.
 
In the opening game, Central Washington scored two in the second inning, coming in an error and a sac fly. The Saints stormed right back in the next half inning, plating three runs in the third. A RBI double by Elijiah Santiago doubled to left center, scoring Dakota Hill for the first run. Kahi Hirano and Ryne Oshiro added RBI singles, bringing home both Santiago and Hirano respectively to cap off the 3-2 lead.
 
However, the lead did not last long, as the Wildcats scored four in the fourth and four more in the sixth inning. Saint Martin's did manage a run in the top of the sixth on a RBI single from Hill, scoring Austin Feist who had two hits on the day.
 
Aaron Shoup (0-2) got the start, going five innings, allowing six runs on eight hits, while striking out five. Zach Alcos was unable to get out of the sixth, giving up three runs and recording one out. Robbie Shineman and Garrison pitched the final 2.2 innings of relief, allowing only one run and striking out two.
 
In the second game, Inouye received little to no run support, as the Saints only collected two hits in the game. After Central scoring a run in the second and third, the Saints did not get their first runner on base until the sixth inning.
 
Ryan Colvin broke up the perfect game bid with a pinch hit single through the left side. An error put runners on second and third and only one out. Santiago dropped the rare RBI bunt single to cut the lead in half; however, a double play for the Wildcats helped them escape the inning with a lead.
 
After two strikeouts to begin the top of the seventh, Feist forced a walk, and advanced to scoring position on the walk to Aaron Renaud. Hunter Holmason had a chance to tie the game, but was unable to connect at the plate.
 
Inouye (1-2) pitched a complete game, going six innings, and recording his second straight game with nine strikeouts.
 
The Saints and the Wildcats wrap up the four game series tomorrow with another doubleheader.