Baseball drops two in Forrest Grove

FOREST GROVE, Ore. — Willamette University (1-3, 0-2) faced Pacific University (Ore.) (4-7, 2-0) in a doubleheader on Saturday, suffering a 10-1 defeat in the first game before falling 6-2 in the second.

In Game 1, Willamette's lone run came in the first inning when T. Sostman doubled and later scored on C. Stoltz's RBI single. However, Pacific responded with a consistent offensive effort, highlighted by a six-run seventh inning. Key moments included a double from H. Nishina that brought in a run, followed by J. Hamura's two-RBI single. An error in the outfield allowed additional runs to score, extending the home team's advantage to 10-1. The Bearcats committed seven errors throughout the game, contributing to Pacific's scoring advantage. Despite opportunities, including S. Koga's eighth-inning double, the Bearcats failed to capitalize on subsequent at-bats, leaving Koga stranded at third.

T. Sostman collected one hit and scored a run, also adding a double to his stat line. C. Stoltz recorded one hit and drove in a run, while S. Koga hit a double and finished with one hit overall. D. Turner pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and striking out two batters, while surrendering five earned runs. N. Saelens delivered a complete game for Pacific, pitching 9 innings, allowing 7 hits, and just 1 earned run while striking out 6, securing the win.

In Game 2, the Bearcats managed to score two runs in the eighth inning, but Pacific sealed the victory with a three-run burst in the seventh. The Bearcats recorded nine hits in the contest while committing two errors. Pacific tallied 11 hits and capitalized on Willamette's defensive miscues. Pacific secured the decisive lead in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a walk and a stolen base followed by a double to center field. A sacrifice groundout added another run, putting Pacific ahead by three.

Willamette faced significant pressure but responded in the eighth inning. After T. Sostman singled and O. Nofziger walked, C. Stoltz delivered an RBI single to center, followed by L. O'Connor's RBI single, narrowing the gap. However, a groundout ended the inning with two runners stranded. Despite a pinch-hit single by J. Smith that advanced to third on a passed ball, consecutive groundouts halted the Bearcats' momentum in the ninth.

C. Stoltz recorded both a hit and an RBI, contributing to the team's offensive efforts, while L. Penterian added two hits and a walk. O'Connor contributed defensively with five assists at shortstop and delivered an RBI. S. Verespey pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing nine hits, five runs, and four earned runs while striking out two batters; he was credited with the loss. G. Aufranc secured the win for Pacific, delivering 7 1/3 innings with seven hits and two earned runs allowed.

The Bearcats now hold a record of 1-3 and are 0-2 in the conference, while Pacific stands at 4-7 overall and 2-0 in the conference.