SALEM, Ore. – The Central Washington University baseball team captured a rain-soaked victory over Corban University, 9-5.
 
"We were better today," CWU Head Coach Desi Storey said.  "We got a solid outing from Hoefer.  We were consistent on offense and played good defense, especially with the conditions."
 
After seven innings of play, the game was halted due to rain.
 
The Wildcats (3-7) sent Tyler Hoefer (2-0) to the bump.  He went three innings, allowed six hits, five earned runs, and four strikeouts.
 
Central's offense found the scoreboard in the first inning.  An infield single from Michael Copeland gave the Wildcats their first runner.  He moved to second on a single from Mitch Lesmeister.  A ground ball to the right side allowed both runners to advance.  Copeland scored on a balk.  Austin Ohland later brought around Lesmeister from third with a single to left.
 
Lesmeister came through for the 'Cats in the second.  He singled home Justin Hampson for a 3-0 lead. 
 
Corban struck in the bottom of the third.  A single to center brought around their first run.
 
Central put up four runs in the fourth inning.  Another RBI-single from Ohland made it 4-1, before Dustin Lohr laced an RBI-single of his own.  Michael Peter then strode to the plate and roped a double into left for a 7-1 lead.
 
An infield single and error pushed across a couple of runs for Corban in the fourth.  Later in the inning, a fielder's choice brought home another Warriors' run. 
 
Not to be deterred, Ohland and Lohr sent back-to-back solo shots to left field to take a 9-5 lead in the sixth. 
 
Hunter French earned his first save of the season.  He hurled two no-hit innings.
 
Central Washington is back in action when they open GNAC play on Friday (Feb. 28) against Northwest Nazarene.  First pitch is scheduled for noon.