Home Runs by Marcus Chiu and Christian Merriweather were all the firepower the Mariners needed to top Laney College on Thursday. Weather pushed the game, originally scheduled in Kentfield to Oakland, but the short road trip did not dampen Marin's power. Chrit Rudkin started for College of Marin threw eight effective innings in the victory.
Laney College took an early lead in the bottom of the second as Tanner Marchant launched a two run homer. The Mariners did not trail for long as they put runners on the corners with one out in the top of the third. Marcus Chiu unloaded on a pitch for a three run home run to put Marin ahead 3-2. It was Chiu's 10th home run of the season and he upped his RBI total to 36 on the year.
Rudkin kept the Eagles in check until the fifth inning when with one out a single and stolen base put a runner in scoring postion. A ground out advanced him to third with two away, before an errant pitch allowed the runner to score, tying the game at 3-3.
The tie did not last long as Marin scored immediately in the top of the sixth. Chiu led off and reached on an error. Adam Hussain followed with a walk of his own. They remained on first and second until Bryan Jakiemiec stepped to the plate with two away in the inning. He lined a single to the outfield scoring Chiu and reclaim the lead for Marin 4-3. Christian Merriwether added some insurance as he homered to lead off the ninth for a 5-3 score.
Rudkin cruised through the eighth inning, and began the ninth on the mound. After allowing a leadoff single, Bowyer took over on the hill and forced a fielder's choice and a double play to end the game.
Rudkin earned his fourth win of the year, while allowing three runs and seven hits, while walking none and striking out eight in eight plus innings pitched. Bowyer earned his fifth save in relief while Merriwether launched his second homer of the year.
With the series win already in hand, the Mariners will look to be greedy and go for the sweep at home on Friday, April 14th.