First place in the Canadian College Baseball Conference is within throwing distance for the Okanagan College Coyotes team after their weekend sweep of the Vancouver Island University Mariners (5-9), placing them one win behind first place TRU Wolfpack.

The Coyotes improved their record to 12-4 over the weekend, which is shy of Thompson Rivers University’s record of 13-3.

Game one between OC and the Vancouver Island University Mariners saw an offensive Coyotes squad set the weekend momentum early.

Photo Credit: Lorne White/ KelownaNow(L to R):Coach Jared Johnson, Jesse Poniewozik, Jake Fischer

“Trevor Brigden was almost untouchable” said Geoff White, head coach, about the senior pitcher. Brigden nearly threw a perfect game before issuing a walk and a hit in the the seventh inning. He would strike out 15 batters, allowing two runs on one hit.

Brigden has been leading an impressive season with a 5-0 record and a 1.50 ERA, collecting 44 strikeouts in 24 innings.

He was relieved by sophomore Gavin Barrett, who allowed one run on two hits in the final two innings.

The Coyote offense saw 15 hits in the game, two first college career homeruns from freshman Nolan King and sophomore Trevor Mlait, respectively. Coyotes win game one 10-5.

Photo Credit: Lorne White/ KelownaNowNolan King 

Freshman King and Brendan Luther would continue hitting well in game two, each making three hits. Senior Jake Fischer would contribute two hits to the cause, as well.

Freshman pitcher Nick Lee, would throw five innings allowing four hits with no consequential runs, but strikeout five batters for his first college win.

Jayden Clayton would take over for two innings allowing three runs on six hits and striking out three. Fellow freshman Nic Taylor would close the door throwing two innings in which he allowed just one run on four hits. Coyotes win 9-4.

Photo Credit: Lorne White/ KelownaNowMassimo Peranio 

Game three saw a closer match. Luther, Mlait and junior Noah Wood-Jolivet would all have 2 hits and freshman Massimo Peranio would hit a 2-run double leading to their six-run game.

Sophomore pitcher Chris Wyslobocki managed the mound for 6.1 innings and only allowed two runs on three hits and seven strikeouts.

Alex Dawson would take over on the mound going 2.2 innings allowing no runs and just one hit. Dawson, a sophomore, has yet to give up a run this season in 13.2 innings. OC wins game three to the tune of 6-2.

 Photo Credit: Lorne White/ KelownaNowJesse Poniewozik

Coyotes would end on a hot note to finish the sweep. Sophomore pitcher Jesse Poniewozik would lead the way for game four, striking out six over his six innings on the mound and allowing two earned runs on four hits.

Poniewozik was relieved by freshman Brett Reid for one inning, allowing two hits and forcing a strikeout; followed by freshman Austin Brown to finish the last two innings with no runs, no hits and sending five batters back to the dugout.

 Photo Credit: Lorne White/ KelownaNowSenior Jake Fischer putting on the mask with freshman pitcher Brett Reid on the mound

The Coyotes would score 10 runs on eight hits to finish the weekend series with a 10-3 win.

The Coyotes blasted 31 hits in the series scoring 35 runs. The pitching staff continued to have strong outings as they now have 178 strikeouts in 145 innings and have a 2.05 ERA.

The Coyotes will return to the diamond on Wednesday in Kamloops against the number one CCBC squad, the TRU Wolfpack, to see who claims first place.