McIver scattered five hits over six innings, struck out four and didn’t allow a walk.
“I wanted to throw as many strikes as I could,” said McIver, a Capital High School graduate. “That’s what I’ve done all season. You want to make them earn it.”
In the second game, Tommy DeBoer gave up two hits in 6 innings in a 2-0 victory that kept the Saints in first place in the GNAC. He struck out three and walked two before giving way to Kaleb Wilson, who struck out the two batters he faced in the seventh to pick up the save.
“Tommy and Michael were outstanding,” Saints coach Ken Garland said. “Our bullpen has been clutch for us. Kaleb has just been dominating.”
McIver got all the run support he needed in the first inning when the Saints scored twice. Aaron Johnson’s double scored Andrew Elke to highlight the rally.
The Wildcats scored their run on Brady Kincannon’s homer in the sixth.
“I hung a change,” McIver said of the sixth-inning home run. “But other than that pitch, my location was good.”
With the sweep, Saint Martin’s improved to 14-13 overall and 11-3 in conference. The Saints play CWU (6-14, 1-9) in another doubleheader today starting at noon.
“Everything is starting to click,” McIver said. “We’re playing good ‘D.’ Our bats are going. Things are rolling.”
McIver and DeBoer both pitched with health issues. McIver’s back is sore and DeBoer has the flu.
“Michael gutted it out for six innings,” Garland said. “Tommy has been congested and not feeling well. But he battled today.”
SOFTBALL
Saint split doubleheader: Joslyn Eugenio hit a three-run homer to lead Saint Martin’s to a 6-5 win at Montana State Billings. The Yellowjackets won the second game, 11-6.
