Box Score LOS ANGELES — Chris Strain hit a two-run homer in the top of the second inning and it looked as if the Occidental baseball team would pick up a key road victory at first-place Whittier.
But despite holding a 3-1 lead for much of the contest, the Poets countered with a six-run fifth, beating the Tigers 7-5 on Friday.
Strain's shot scored Devon DeRaad, who reached on an error. In the top of the fifth, Oxy added its third run on a sacrifice fly from Riley Smith that brought in Charlie Caccamo.
Then Whittier got to Oxy starter Joseph Kling, who had been pitching well through the first four innings and came into the game with a 2.08 ERA. First Stephen Zavala hit a three-run homer and then Cody Martinez followed it with a second three-run shot, giving the Poets a 7-3 lead.
The Tigers got two back in the ninth. Johnathan Brooks and Smith each had RBI singles.
Kling was charged with the loss. C.J. Maruyama pitched three scoreless innings in relief for Oxy.
Walker Marks went 3 for 4 for the Tigers.
Nick Garcia earned the win for the Poets.
Oxy falls to 11-13 overall and 7-6 in SCIAC play. Whittier improves to 15-8 and 11-2.
The Tigers and the Poets return to action on Saturday with a doubleheader at Anderson Field. First pitch of Game 1 is scheduled for 11 a.m.
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