River Otters Take Two

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette (9-25, 6-16) faced Lewis & Clark (21-13, 16-6) in a doubleheader on Saturday, falling in both contests with scores of 2-0 and 5-1.

In game one, Willamette was unable to capitalize on solid pitching from Maya Filger, who allowed only three hits over seven innings. Despite their efforts, the Bearcats recorded just four hits and left five runners on base. Lewis & Clark broke a scoreless game in the sixth inning with Harper Campanella's two-run homer to left field, driving in Madison Scroggins and ultimately securing the win for the Pioneers.

Willamette had opportunities to shift the tide earlier in the game, notably during the second inning when Emma Elliott singled and promptly stole second. A walk by Lauren Stube and a fielding error loaded the bases with one out, but the rally fell short as the next two batters struck out and flied out, leaving three runners stranded. Throughout the game, the Bearcats' hitters consistently applied pressure with base hits and stolen bases but could not capitalize in key moments.

Maya Filger pitched a complete game, allowing three hits, two earned runs, and striking out four batters while issuing three walks. Lauren Stube contributed offensively with one hit and drew two walks. Maggie Fleischmann recorded a hit and successfully stole a base, while Emma Elliott also added a hit and a stolen base during the game. On the opposing side, Maggie O'Leary delivered a dominant outing for Lewis & Clark, pitching seven shutout innings with four hits, two walks, and three strikeouts, proving crucial in the victory.

In game two, Willamette managed to score their lone run in the seventh inning, finishing the game with eight hits and two doubles. However, Lewis & Clark secured its victory with a decisive four-run eighth inning, concluding with a total of 12 hits. In this tense extra-inning battle, Lewis & Clark broke open a tie game in the eighth inning, starting with Gina Ozuna's single. McKenna Zehnder's sacrifice bunt brought in the go-ahead run, and Lacey Marglin followed with a triple. Kara Kahahawai's RBI single sealed the momentum shift, pushing Lewis & Clark to a commanding lead.

The Bearcats had their moments, particularly in the seventh inning when Mia Atkins doubled and later scored on Maya Filger's single, cutting the deficit to one. Earlier in the game, Lauren Stube's double in the fourth inning presented another key opportunity, but a caught stealing curtailed potential scoring. In the final frame, Willamette mounted a threat with singles from Maggie Fleischmann, Emma Elliott, and Stube, loading the bases, but a double play ended the rally and the game.

Lauren Stube led the Bearcats with two hits, including a double. Maggie Fleischmann contributed by recording one hit, one stolen base, and drawing a walk, while Mia Atkins added a double and a walk. Maya Filger also made an impact as a pinch hitter, driving in one run with her hit. Maddy Tuning pitched 7 2/3 innings for the Bearcats, allowing 12 hits and five earned runs while striking out two and walking two, ultimately taking the loss. Lizzie Brasher contributed from the mound, pitching 1/3 of an inning with one strikeout and one walk. For Lewis & Clark, Charlize Pope delivered a strong performance over 6 1/3 innings, yielding just one earned run on four hits with five strikeouts and two walks. Maggie O'Leary secured the win, pitching 2/3 of an inning and striking out two, while Sofia Garcia completed an inning, giving up three hits without allowing any runs.

The Bearcats concluded the day with a record of 9-25 and 6-16 in the conference, while Lewis & Clark improved to 21-13 and 16-6 in the conference.