STANFORD, Calif. – The 27th out proved to be elusive on Monday afternoon from Sunken Diamond, as Stanford (5-7) led 6-4 with two outs and the bases empty before allowing five runs and suffering a 9-6 setback to visiting Nevada (5-5).
Right-hander Toran O’Harran retired the first two batters on groundouts in the ninth, and induced a ground ball to freshman shortstop Rashad Hayes for what looked like the game’s final out, but Sam Kane hustled down the line and beat Hayes’ throw to first to keep the game alive. A single from Nate Snakenborg followed, pushing runners to first and second and bringing the go-ahead run to the plate. The Cardinal again seemed to have the game in the bag on a ground ball to third, but JJ Moran’s throw to first was in the dirt and allowed Jack Metcho to reach and load the bases. A two-RBI single from Rominic Quiban tied the game before Junhyuk Kwon doubled-home a pair of his own to give Nevada its first lead of the afternoon. The Wolf Pack would add one more on a single from Jayce Dobie.
The Cardinal managed to put the first two aboard in the bottom of the ninth, but a strikeout of Moran and a double play ball off the bat of Jimmy Nati ended the game.
Stanford’s offense plated six runs on eight hits, including three home runs, in the loss. Luke Lavin homered for the second consecutive game, while Rintaro Sasaki and Moran also went deep to run their season totals to three.
Lavin finished the game with three RBIs, while Sasaki plated a pair while hitting out of the leadoff spot in the order.
The tough-luck loss went to O’Harran after he worked 1 2/3 innings while allowing five hits and five unearned runs. O’Harran dropped to 1-1 on the season with the decision.
Freshman Andrew Shaw was outstanding in relief for the Cardinal, striking out five of the six batters he faced in two scoreless innings of work.
Brock Ketelsen got the start at pitcher while also serving as Stanford’s designated hitter, working the first 4 2/3 innings and allowing four runs on five hits and three walks with five strikeouts.
Stanford will open ACC play this week when it travels to No. 15 Wake Forest for a three-game series beginning Friday at 3:02 p.m. PT.