DeMers, Baker Lift UW Past St. Mary's, 3-1

Saturday, April 23

Seattle, WA

12:00 PM

University of Washington

20-14

Saint Mary's

22-13

St. Mary's

Washington

Photo by: Washington Athletics

April 23, 2016 | Baseball

Box Score

By: Washington Athletics

SEATTLE – Chris Baker hit a two-run home run in the second inning that ended up holding up as Husky freshman pitcher Joe DeMers kept St. Mary's (22-13) at bay and led Washington (20-14) to a 3-1 win in the first game of a double header Saturday at Husky Ballpark.

Baker's homer – his team-leading sixth this season – landed in the St. Mary's bullpen and came on a first pitch from Gaels' starter Johnny York (4-4). Joey Morgan, who doubled to lead off the inning, scored in front of Baker's hit.

Baker's blast proved to be enough run support for DeMers, who was excellent in six innings of work. The freshman, who grew up near St. Mary's campus in the East Bay Area, kept the Gaels off the scoreboard through the first six innings.

The Huskies added to their lead in the fifth when Alex Galgano grounded into a 6-4-3 double play. Levi Jordan, who singled to start the inning and advanced to third on a single by Nyles Nygaard, scored on the double play to make the score 3-0.

St. Mary's got a run back in the seventh and chased DeMers from the game. The UW freshman allowed a hit and walk to start the inning and reliever Spencer Jones walked two batters to force in the first Gaels' run of the game. But Troy Rallings slammed the door shut on any idea that St. Mary's had of scoring more by recording a strike out and getting an infield fly to keep the 3-1 lead intact.

DeMers' final line was among his best this season as he threw six innings, allowed six hits, one earned run and walked a pair of batters. He threw 89 pitches and struck out one in picking up this third win of the year.

Ralling pitched the final 2 2/3 innings to pick up his 10^th save of the year. It his fourth save this season that was longer than 2 innings of work.

The Huskies and Gaels wrap up the series Sunday at Husky Ballpark. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

Game 1: Washington 3 (20-14), St. Mary's 1 (22-13)

SMC 000 000 100 –- 1 9 1
UW 020 010 00x –- 3 6 1

LOB: SMC 12, UW 6. Joe DeMers, Spencer Jones (7), Troy Rallings (7) and Joey Morgan; Johnny York, David Dellaserra (8) and Nate Nolan. W – DeMers (3-2). L – York (4-4). SV – Rallings (10). HR – Chris Baker (6). 3B – none. 2B – SMC, Edward Haus; UW, Joey Morgan. Time – 12:00. Attendance – TBA.