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Big ninth saves night for TJs, 7-2 YAKIMA, Wash . -- The Timberjacks had to be looking over their shoulders. Their bats stilled by respectable pitching much of Monday night and the prospects of a two-game losing streak becoming three, the Northwest League's Southern Division front-runners were in danger of seeing their lead over second-place Eugene dipping to less than two games. But when the Yakima Bears' bullpen is part of the equation, hope springs eternal. Southern Oregon scored six runs in the top of the ninth inning to carve out a 7-2 victory. The Timberjacks might have been hoping to see Fernando Rijo, who they lit up for four runs without making an an out on July 14. They eventually got Rijo, who surrendered nine home runs in his nine previous appearances. But it was right-hander Jason Walters, who had survived seven previous relief appearances without absorbing a loss, that lit the Timberjacks' offensive fuse. Walters faced six Timberjacks without recording an out as Southern Oregon sent 10 hitters to the plate. Mike Lockwood and Kirk Asche started the ninth with singles. At that point Jamie Porter pinch ran for Lockwood. Matt Howe walked to load the bases. Then Walters got just what he needed when Jeremy Schied bounced back to the mound, but the ball glanced off the pitcher's glove. Walters slipped chasing the ball and by the time he retrieved it, Porter had scored the go-ahead run. With the bases loaded Gerald Laird stepped to the plate. Before he could put his imprint on the outcome, Walters uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Asche to score. Laird then punched a single to score Howe and Jorge Soto followed with a base hit that sent Schied home and Walters to the showers. Rio came on and immediately got Brad Henderson to hit into a double play with Laird scoring. But the TJs weren't through. Carlos Rosario singled and scored when Matt Forbes blooped a double to right. Southern Oregon left-hander Bryan Mazur pitched the final 2 2/3 innings to pick up his fourth win in as many decisions. He also has four saves. Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.