Bearcats Shut Out Simpson Twice, 11-0 and 2-0

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

REDDING, CALIF. -- Willamette University recorded two shutouts against Simpson University on Sunday, Feb. 20, as the Bearcats downed the Red Hawks, 11-0 and 2-0. The Bearcats ended the weekend with a 3-1 overall record after winning the final three games of the series. Simpson moved to 2-12 on the season.

Starting pitcher Parker Johnson (So., RHP, Carlsbad, CA/La Costa Canyon HS) recorded the win in the opener as he threw the first five innings of a combined shutout. Four relievers each threw one inning to keep Simpson scoreless.

Sharing the shutout with Grindy were Nate Bender (Sr., RHP, Seattle, WA/Roosevelt HS), Jamie McCaffrey (So., LHP, Canby, OR/Canby HS/Clackamas CC), Kyle Kirwan (So., RHP, Hillsboro, OR/Glencoe HS).

T.C. Lee (Sr., LF, Lafayette, CA/Acalanes HS) smacked a home run in the first game. He was 2 for 2 with two sacrifice flies and four RBIs during the contest. Mitchell Rowan (Jr., DH, Cotati, CA/Rancho Cotate HS) was 2 for 4 with two RBIs.

Also in the first game, Tyson Giza (So., CF, Salem, OR/Sprague HS) went 3 for 5 with two doubles and an RBI, while Tommy Kawamura (Fr., IF, Renton, WA/Lindbergh HS) recorded two singles in four at bats.

In the second game, Chris Torgerson (Sr., RHP, Sacramento, CA/Jesuit HS) tossed a complete-game two-hitter for the Bearcats. He registered five strikeouts.

Kawamura drove in both runs with a single in the top of the sixth inning to break a scoreless tie. His hit fell into center field providing WU with the game's key hit.

Willamette played well on defense throughout the four-game series. The Bearcats completed every game without an error. Max Stepan (Sr., C, Pueblo, CO/Pueblo County HS) caught the entire first game (9 innings) and Dylan Summers (Jr., C, Lake Oswego, OR/Lakeridge HS) was behind the plate for the second game (7 innings).