Willamette Offense Stalls Against Whitworth
O'Connor aids defense with six shortstop assists
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 1 |
|
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 3 |
SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (5-16, 2-8 NWC) fell to Whitworth University (16-11, 11-1 NWC) with a final score of 14–4 on Friday at Spec Keene Stadium. The Bearcats took an early 3–0 lead in the first inning but were unable to maintain momentum as Whitworth scored eight runs in the seventh inning to secure the victory. The Bearcats' offense tallied nine hits, including a home run and three doubles, but three fielding errors contributed to their defeat.
Willamette struck early with Michon Cole's solo homer in the first inning, setting the tone. The team added two more runs with Trevor Sostman's two-RBI double, exploiting an error to push the early lead to three runs. Despite this promising start, the Bearcats' offense stalled, leaving key opportunities on base in the second inning.
Whitworth seized control in the seventh inning, capitalizing on a series of miscues and timely hits. With the bases loaded, a costly error allowed Spencer Shipman to score, followed by a string of doubles and a home run, resulting in an eight-run surge. This decisive moment established a commanding lead that the Bearcats could not overcome.
In the eighth, the Bearcats attempted to rally as Matthew Rienhardt's double brought in Sostman. However, the comeback effort fell short, and Whitworth's solid defense in the ninth sealed the game.
Cole delivered a home run, contributing one run and one RBI to his team's effort. Carter Stoltz collected two hits, including a double, and scored a run. Sostman added two RBIs with a double, while also drawing a walk. Liam O'Connor excelled defensively, recording six assists from his position at shortstop. Steven Verespey pitched 6 2/3 innings for the Bearcats, allowing 12 hits and 10 runs, 6 of which were earned, while striking out 1 and walking none. He took the loss, bringing his record to 1-3. Luca Penteriani contributed 2 1/3 innings in relief, yielding 2 hits, 1 earned run, and 3 walks, with 1 strikeout.
The Bearcats compete next at Spec Keene Stadium in another home match against Whitworth on April 4, beginning at 12 pm.