Bearcats Split Doubleheader Against Pacific Lutheran

TACOMA, Wash. — Willamette (5-15, 2-7 NWC) split a doubleheader against Pacific Lutheran (9-9, 7-5 NWC) on Sunday, falling 9–5 in the first game before bouncing back with a decisive 7–2 victory in the second.

Game 1 Recap:
Willamette's offense in the first game was highlighted by a late surge, scoring four runs in the final three innings, including a home run in the eighth. Pacific Lutheran took control in the middle innings, scoring four runs in both the sixth and seventh frames, which proved decisive.

Pacific Lutheran seized control in the sixth inning through a combination of timely hits and free passes. After a single and a stolen base, a double by Rutger Youch drove in one run. With the bases loaded, Kyle Tat delivered a two-run single, followed by a fielder's choice that added another tally, resulting in a four-run inning that put Pacific Lutheran ahead.

Willamette's attempts to mount a comeback were highlighted by Carter Stoltz's solo home run in the seventh inning and Nate Hamburger's two-run single, aided by a defensive miscue in the eighth. Earlier, Adam Birt provided an RBI single in the third inning, giving the Bearcats an early lead. Despite these efforts, they left several runners on base in key situations, which limited their ability to close the gap.

In the ninth, Finn Hoover's RBI single provided a late spark, but the offense ultimately fell short. The Bearcats' inability to capitalize on baserunners in the middle innings prevented them from sustaining momentum against Pacific Lutheran's scoring surge.

Stoltz led the team with three hits, including a home run, and drove in one run. Hoover recorded four hits and added an RBI, maintaining a perfect performance at the plate. Hamburger contributed with two hits and an RBI, while also drawing a walk. Liam O'Connor excelled defensively with four assists from the shortstop position.

Nate Schikore pitched 6 innings for the Bearcats, allowing eight hits and five earned runs while striking out none and walking four, resulting in a loss. In relief, Matthew Mason threw 2 innings, giving up four hits and four earned runs, with one strikeout and one walk. For Pacific Lutheran, Alex Lopez delivered 5 innings, conceding only one earned run on six hits, accompanied by three strikeouts and three walks. Chris Moreno contributed 4 innings in relief, yielding four hits and three earned runs, striking out one, and earning the win.

Game 2 Recap:
In the second game, Willamette secured a decisive 7–2 victory over Pacific Lutheran. The Bearcats jumped to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first two innings and maintained momentum with a two-run fifth inning. Willamette's pitching staff limited Pacific Lutheran to three hits over seven innings, striking out four, while the offense capitalized on seven walks and nine hits. Pacific Lutheran managed to score in the third and sixth innings but was unable to overcome Willamette's early advantage.

Pacific Lutheran's attempts to mount a comeback in the sixth inning fell short as the Bearcats' defense held firm. After a double by Carson Burke brought in a run for Pacific Lutheran, a timely double play ended the inning, squashing any momentum for the home side.

Willamette established its lead early, capitalizing on a series of free bases and aggressive base running in the first two innings. Nate Hamburger's two stolen bases set the stage for Jason Smith's RBI single, initiating the scoring. In the second inning, Michon Cole's double and subsequent steal of third scored on a wild pitch, further widening the gap. Charlie Satterlee's sacrifice fly added to the tally, with Smith again driving in a run with a single.

Despite the base running and timely hitting, the Bearcats left opportunities on base, stranding multiple runners throughout the game. Nonetheless, the early lead proved insurmountable, securing a comfortable victory.

Liam O'Connor led the Bearcats with three runs scored, two hits, and one stolen base. Cole contributed significantly, recording three hits, including a double, and scoring twice while also stealing two bases. Smith posted two hits and drove in two runs, adding one stolen base. Hamburger secured two stolen bases, adding a hit and a run scored.

Austin Bilello led the way for the Bearcats with a four-inning performance, allowing only one earned run and securing the win with a WHIP of 0.75. Roman Mahler contributed three hitless innings, giving up one earned run with three strikeouts. For Pacific Lutheran, Cole Miller started the game with one inning, surrendering one earned run and taking the loss. Andrew Hickman struggled in relief, allowing three earned runs on four hits in just one inning pitched.

Willamette has an overall record of 5-15. Pacific Lutheran holds a record of 9-9.