CORVLLIS — Bend remained in striking distance of Corvallis in Thursday night’s West Coast League game, but a big eighth inning for the Knights led to a 10-1 victory and a three-game series sweep over the Elks.

The Knights were up 4-1 through the fifth inning, but scored six runs off five hits and one error to pull away for the win in a battle of the top two teams in the WCL South standings. Corvallis (30-15) now holds a four-game lead over Bend (26-19) with nine games remaining in the regular season.

Jo Carrol scored the only run for the Elks, who had four hits on the night. Alec Smith had three hits, including two triples, and four RBIs for the Knights.

Pitcher Chris Bishop picked up the win for Corvallis as he recorded nine strikeouts.

Bend returns home today to start a three-game series with Medford. First pitch will be at 6:35 p.m. at Vince Genna Stadium.

— Bulletin staff report