California Baptist tops Utah Tech in 14-inning thriller

MESA, Ariz. (Interstat) — Matt Chavez hit a walk-off three-run homer in the bottom of the 14th inning to give California Baptist a 10-7 victory over Utah Tech on Thursday afternoon in the Western Athletic Conference championship at Mesa, Arizona.

The Lancers (44-13) overcame a 7-5 deficit in the 14th when Bryce McFeely singled up the middle to drive in two runs and tie the game. Chavez then launched a three-run shot to deep left field, scoring McFeely and Cole Howarth.

Utah Tech (32-22) had taken a 7-5 lead in the top of the 14th on an RBI single by Finnegan Stewart and a fielder’s choice by Ty Johnsen. The Trailblazers led 7-1 after four innings but the Lancers chipped away.

Chris Ramirez scored three times for California Baptist, and McFeely drove in three runs. Dakota West, Zachary Yates, Alfredo Capacete, Ryan Kroepel, Talan Kelly, Luis Becerra and Chris Ramirez also contributed. Utah Tech had 16 hits, California Baptist 21. The game lasted 14 innings.