Kawamura Scores in Eighth Inning as Bearcats Shut Out Oregon Tech, 1-0

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

McMINNVILLE, ORE. -- Tommy Kawamura (Sr., 2B/SS, Renton, WA/Lindbergh HS) singled in the eighth inning, stole second base and scored the game's only run, as Willamette University shut out Oregon Institute of Technology, 1-0, on Sunday, Feb. 23 at Roy Helser Field. The game was WU's fourth match-up in the NWC/CCC/GNAC Challenge this weekend.

The Bearcats went 2-2 in the tournament while allowing only five runs. In addition to Sunday's victory, the Bearcats defeated cross-town rival Corban University on Saturday, 1-0. With the win over Oregon Tech, Willamette upped its record to 6-4 overall. The Owls dropped to 4-9.

Kawamura's single went to center field with one out in the eighth. After Kawamura stole second, Gordie Clary (So., 1B, Vacaville, CA/Vacaville HS) advanced him to third with a groundout to second base. Austin Hagarty (So., IF, Roseville, CA/Woodcreek HS) received a pinch-hit walk as Kawamura went home on the wild pitch.

Three Willamette pitchers contributed to the shutout of Oregon Tech.

Tyler Olson (Jr., IF, Yuba City, CA/Yuba City HS) started the game and went six full innings. He struck out three batters, while allowing one walk and three hits.

Eland Tsubata (Jr., LHP, Honolulu, HI/Iolani School) tossed the seventh inning and faced one batter in the eighth. Tsubata gave up a walk in the seventh and a lead-off hit in the eighth, but preserved the shutout. Tsubata (1-0) was the pitcher of record when Kawamura scored the winning run.

Jackson Watt (So., RHP, Rocklin, CA/Whitney HS) took over on the mound with Oregon Tech's Ben Krueger at first base and no outs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Watt completed the game, while registering three strikeouts. He did not allow a hit, as he picked up his first save of the season.

In the eighth, Domonic Morris hit a sacrifice bunt near home plate to move Krueger to second. Watt struck out Tyson Dahl and caused Spencer Reed to hit into a groundout to end the threat. Watt faced just three batters in the ninth inning.

Oregon Tech outhit Willamette 4-3 for the game, as Reed led the way with a 2-for-4 performance. Krueger and Bryce Asoa and also earned hits for the Owls.

Willamette's hits were in the top three spots in the batting order. Hunter Gallant (Jr., 3B, Rescue, CA/Ponderosa HS), Kawamura and Clary each provided the Bearcats with a single.

The Bearcats will be back in action with the opening of Northwest Conference action of Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2, when they will host Pacific Lutheran University in a three-game series at John Lewis Field. The teams will play two games on Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. (PST). They play one game on Sunday, with first pitch set for 12 p.m.