Playoff race tightens as Potters take 2 of 3 from Rogues

The Lincoln Potters entered last week with their postseason hopes hanging by a thread. But after winning eight of nine, they headed into the final week of Pacific Empire League play tied for the final playoff spot. Lincoln hosted the Medford Rogues for a three-game series last weekend at McBean Stadium, winning two of three to set the stage for a thrilling finish to the PEL regular season. Friday's series opener was a back-and-forth affair and the Potters prevailed 11-9 thanks to two home runs by Bryan Williams Jr. Lincoln surrendered two runs in the top of the first but responded with five runs in the bottom frame. Williams' first home run tied the score at 2. "It was early in the game, so we're just thinking that we needed to punch back because we got hit in the mouth a little bit," said Williams. "It started with Cole (Eaton) when he led us off with the triple. I was just trying to do my job and get him in and it took off from there." The Rogues stormed back, tying the score 5-5 on a three-run blast by Jordan Marian in the fifth inning. Williams quickly answered, leading off the bottom half with a solo homer to put Lincoln back in front. Medford regained the lead with three runs in the seventh, but the Potters responded with four. Dawson Radik earned the win in relief despite only facing two batters and pitching one-third of an inning. Peter Jensen and Quinten Marsh posted strong outings out of the bullpen, and Evan Williams recorded the save. Lincoln starter Brayden Sharp surrendered two runs in the first inning and a home run in the fifth but kept Lincoln from dipping into the bullpen early in the series. "He has been a really good arm for us. He's been really helpful throughout the summer and he's a real dog on the mound," Williams said of Sharp. Williams said winning game one was instrumental for the Potters, saying, "We have to come out and set the tone and have all the guys pulling on the same rope. That's big for us." The Potters fell to the Rogues 3-2 in a pitcher's duel Saturday night, snapping their winning streak at seven. Colfax alum Noah Souza allowed two runs and seven hits in 4⅔ innings for Medford, striking out three. Medford's Trevor Smith singled in the go-ahead run in the ninth inning. The Potters stranded the tying run on base. The Potters claimed the series Sunday, defeating the Rogues 8-2. Lincoln went deep into the bullpen, using seven pitchers. Starter John Alkire earned the win with four shutout innings. Tristan Russell led Lincoln offensively with two RBIs. The final spot in the PEL Championship Series will be decided this week, with five games remaining in the regular season. Entering Monday, the Potters and Humboldt Crabs were tied for second place at 14-8. The defending-champion Healdsburg Prune Packers have secured their place in the championship series. Lincoln kept its hot streak going, defeating the Solano Mudcats 7-5 on Tuesday night and the Prune Packers 4-0 Wednesday night. Williams noted it will be a thrilling end to the season, saying, "We have to take it one day at a time, one pitch at a time. If we win pitches, eventually that leads to innings and that leads to games."