LEWISTON, Idaho -  Freshman DJ Kauahi threw another stellar performance for the Beacons, going eight strong to lift Bushnell baseball to a 5-1 win over Oregon Tech at the CCC Championships, presented by U.S. Bank.
 
Bushnell (27-26) avoided elimination with the win and will take on No. 24-ranked University of British Columbia (37-14) on Sunday at 11:00 am with both a spot in the CCC title game and an automatic berth to the NAIA National Tournament on the line.
 
The Beacons scored three runs in the first inning to take an early 3-1 lead and never looked by as the reigning CCC Pitcher of the Week threw 114 pitches in eight innings of work, striking out ten batters. The Owls posted a run in the first inning and never crossed the plate again as Kauahi (5-1) got out of jam after jam, forcing OIT to leave 12 runners on base.  
 
"DJ continues to amaze me with his competitiveness, composure, and maturity," said Head Coach Jamie Womack, "despite how young he is. Our backs were against the wall and he and Marshall got it done."
 
Chase Marshall struck out two more batters in a scoreless ninth inning to close out the game.
 
It was senior Dylan Carson that provided the first inning fireworks, hitting a bases-clearing double. He would later add the second triple of his career to finish the game 2-for-3.
 
Caleb Richter continued his crazy weekend with a two-run triple in the third to account for all of Bushnell's scoring.
 
Noah Loew (2-4) took the loss for Oregon Tech, giving up four earned runs in three innings of work before Aiden Lundquist did everything he could to keep the Owls alive, scattering three Bushnell hits and striking out eight batters over the final five innings.  
 
Womack said, "I have so much belief in these guys. Rest and recovery will be key tonight as we are back at it in the morning fighting once more."
 
UP NEXT: Bushnell and UBC face off in the semifinal round at 11:00 am on Sunday with the winner set to face off against host Lewis-Clark State in the championship game at 2:30 pm. With LC State already earning a host bid for the NAIA National Tournament opening round, whoever faces them in the title game will claim the CCC's automatic bid for nationals. Bushnell will be looking to secure their second trip in three years.