Bearcats Pull Away from Pioneers in Suspended Game, 13-4

By Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6219

PORTLAND, ORE. -- Willamette University held a 3-1 lead over Lewis & Clark College when the second game of their Northwest Conference doubleheader was suspended in the second inning on Sunday, April 28. When play resumed on Thursday, April 8, the Bearcats pulled away from the Pioneers for a 13-4 victory at the Huston Sports Complex. The game ended after five innings due to the eight-run rule.

WU improved to 20-6 on the season, as the team reached 20 wins for the sixth consecutive year. The Bearcats own a combined record of 114-63 (.644) since 2005. Willamette, ranked #16 in NCAA Division III, moved to 12-2 in the NWC. Lewis & Clark fell to 3-22 overall, 0-14 in the NWC.

The Bearcats were batting in the top of the second when play resumed. Willamette took control of the game by scoring five runs during the inning to built an 8-1 lead. L&C got back two runs in the bottom of the second, but another five-run inning by the Bearcats in the top of the fourth prevented a comeback by the Pioneers

Four Bearcats had two or more RBIs and seven different players recorded at least one hit. Jessica Barry (So., OF, Cupertino, CA/Monte Vista HS), pictured at left, led the way with an impressive stat line. The sophomore transfer was 3 for 4 with two runs, two RBIs and two stolen bases.

Susie Krewer (So., 2B, Sacramento, CA/Mira Loma HS), Kelli Snyder (Fr., C, Longview, WA/Kelso HS) and Nichole Robertson (So., OF, Elk Grove, CA/Cosumnes River College) each hit a home run for WU. Krewer finished the game with two runs and three RBIs.

Snyder was 2 for 2 with two runs and three RBI. The freshman catcher is now leading the team with a .397 batting average this season.

Willamette has outscored its opponents 178-103 so far this season. The Bearcats are batting .336 as a team and have 62 extra-base hits.

Alex Watilo (So., P, Newcastle, CA/Del Oro HS) improved her season record in the circle to 7-3 with the victory. Watilo threw all five innings and struck out five. She has thrown eight complete games this season and accumulated 27 strikeouts.

For L&C, Caroline DeVincenzi earned the loss. She is now 2-8 this season. Jaime Moon was the only Pio to earn multiple hits. Moon finished the game 2 for 2 with two runs scored.