Baseball Falls to Warner Pacific

KEIZER, Ore. — Willamette University (2-3) fell to Warner Pacific University (Ore.) (5-10) with a final score of 20-5 on Tuesday night at Roto Rooter Park. Despite the loss, the Bearcats' Adam Birt contributed with a solo home run in the fourth inning, and the team managed eight hits, including three doubles. Warner Pacific broke the game open with a 10-run ninth inning, securing their decisive victory.

Warner Pacific took control with a 10-run surge in the ninth inning, highlighted by Connor Hale's three-run homer. The late offensive explosion proved decisive, as it extended their lead, removing any chance of a comeback.

The Bearcats' pressure moments came earlier in the game. In the fourth inning, Trevor Sostman doubled, and Jason Smith followed with an RBI double to put Willamette on the board. Smith continued to provide offense with a solo home run in the eighth. Despite these efforts, the Bearcats' rallies were contained by Warner Pacific's pitchers, leaving crucial opportunities missed.

In the ninth, Willamette attempted a late response with Nate Hamburger's single and Jase Randall's pinch-hit RBI double, but the deficit was too large to overcome. The game underscored the impact of timely hitting and defensive plays that shifted momentum away from the Bearcats.

Smith led the team with three hits, including a home run and a double, contributing two RBIs. Hamburger collected two hits, scored a run, and drove in another while also stealing a base. Randall added a pinch-hit double, driving in one run. Sostman recorded a double and scored one run, rounding out the team's top performers.

Brandon Goodell of the Bearcats pitched for 2 innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits, while recording 2 strikeouts and walking 1 batter. Elliot Hsu contributed with 1 inning of relief, conceding 1 run on 1 hit, with 1 walk and 1 strikeout. Austin Bilello also pitched 2 innings, surrendering 3 runs on 3 hits and striking out 1, while issuing 2 walks. For Warner Pacific, Brayden Ange pitched 2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits, with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks. Brady Windha provided 2 innings of relief, giving up 1 run on 1 hit, including a home run, while striking out 1. Jacob Quinla delivered an inning, allowing 1 run on 2 hits, with 2 walks and a strikeout.

The Bearcats hold a record of 2-3 overall and 1-2 in the conference. Warner Pacific has a record of 5-10 overall and 1-5 in conference play.