Bearcats Drop Two to Lewis & Clark at Home

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette (9-27, 6-18) faced Lewis & Clark (23-13, 18-6) in a doubleheader on Sunday at Bearcats SB Field, falling in both games with final scores of 6-0 and 9-1.

In Game 1, the Bearcats struggled offensively, managing only three hits and failing to score. Lewis & Clark's pitching, led by Maggie O'Leary, was dominant, allowing just three hits and striking out two over a complete game. The game featured a critical fifth inning where Emily Patton reached third on a wild pitch, paving the way for Makena Dahir's two-run homer, extending the visitors' lead to 4-0. Willamette's best scoring chance came in the fourth inning with singles from Lauren Stube and Mckenzee Petersen, but they left two runners stranded. Despite a resilient defense, highlighted by a double play in the first inning, the Bearcats couldn't overcome their offensive challenges, finishing the game scoreless.

For Willamette, Lauren Stube and Mckenzee Petersen each recorded a hit, while Maya Filger pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs and recording one strikeout. Abigail Loomis contributed with 1 1/3 innings pitched, allowing no hits and striking out one. Lewis & Clark's O'Leary efficiently threw 81 pitches, with 47 strikes, securing the victory.

In Game 2, the Bearcats managed to score their only run in the second inning through an RBI single by Jenna Hopkins. Willamette's offense was limited to four hits, while Lewis & Clark exploded for nine runs, including two decisive four-run innings in the fourth and sixth. The fourth inning broke a 1-1 tie, featuring Makena Dahir's double and a run-scoring double from Kodie Ancheta. In the sixth inning, a pinch-hit triple from Lola Jarrette and subsequent RBIs from Ancheta and Tallulah Sickels put the game out of reach for Willamette.

Lauren Stube contributed a double, while Mckenzee Petersen added a hit and pitched one inning, allowing two earned runs on four hits. Emma Elliott also recorded a hit and scored a run. Charlize Pope led Lewis & Clark's pitching efforts, going five innings with three hits, one earned run, and a strikeout, improving her record to 3-5.

The Bearcats' doubleheader results leave them with a record of 9-27 overall and 6-18 in conference play, while Lewis & Clark stands at 23-13 overall and 18-6 in the conference.