Pacific Defeats Willamette in Doubleheader, 8-1 and 8-4

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

SALEM, Ore. -- Pacific University defeated Willamette University, 8-1, in the first game of a Northwest Conference doubleheader on Saturday, April 4, as the Boxers outhit the Bearcats 16-4 at John Lewis Field. In the second game, Pacific scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to slip past the Bearcats, 8-4.

With the two wins, Pacific advanced its record to 12-16 on the season, 8-10 in the NWC. The Boxers are 7-2 in their last nine games. Willamette fell to 18-10 overall with a 10-9 record in NWC action.

In the first game, the Boxers built a 3-0 lead after two innings, led 5-0 after six frames and were in front 7-0 before WU scored its only run in the eighth inning.

Nathan Suyematsu grounded out to bring in a run in the first inning. In the second inning, Josh Keithly singled and later scored when Mike Thomson reached third on an infield single followed by a two-base throwing error. Ben Duerr added an RBI single later in the inning.

Thomson homered to open the fourth inning and JT Francies belted a solo homer to begin the sixth inning. Keithly and Francies each singled in a run in the top of the eighth.

Pacific starting pitcher Paul Wolfram took a no-hitter into the eighth before giving up singles to Cameron Igarashi (Fr., RF, Honolulu, HI/Mid-Pacific Institute) and Gordie Clary (Jr., RF/RHP, Vacaville, CA/Vacaville HS). After Wolfram walked Shea Harrison (Jr., RHP/OF, El Cerrito, CA/El Cerrito HS) to load the bases, he was replaced by Tyler Kotchik on the mound.

Kotchik forced a double play on a fly out to right followed by a throw home for the first two outs of the inning. Jacob Parra (So., C, Everett, WA/Mariner HS/Edmonds CC) singled home Clary for Willamette's only run before a groundout ended the at bat.

Walker Olis was 3 of 4 with a run scored for Pacific in the first game. Duerr went 3 for 5, scored once and earned one RBI.

Wolfram improved to 1-1. WU starter Peter Hoffman (Sr., RHP, Hayden, ID/Lake City HS) struck out eight batters in 7 1/3 innings, but allowed seven runs and 12 hits, while falling to 3-2.

In the second game, the Bearcats held a 3-0 lead after three innings.

Austin Hagarty (Jr., 2B, Roseville, CA/Woodcreek HS) belted a solo home run in the first inning. Clary tacked on another homer to start the second inning. Both home runs went over the left field fence. In the third, Hagarty hit an infield single toward shortstop, and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Rolenn Himuro (Sr., CF, Honolulu, HI/Punahou School).

Hunter Gallant (Sr., 3B, Rescue, CA/Ponderosa HS) followed with a bloop double into left center. Hagarty had to hold until the ball reached the ground, but still advanced to third. Tiras Koon (Sr., 1B, Honolulu, HI/Iolani School) received a walk. Mason Fessler (Fr., INF, Woodburn, OR/Blanchet Catholic School) hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Hagarty.

Pacific cut the margin to 3-1 in the fourth inning and tied the game in the seventh. Olis doubled and Donnie Bradley singled to start the fourth. Bradley stole second base. One out later, TJ Francis singled to left. Olis scored on the play, but Bradley was thrown out in a run-down between third and home.

In the seventh, the Boxers scored two runs on a two-out double down the left field line by Dylan Wright.

The Boxers claimed a 4-3 lead in the eighth, before WU tied the game in the bottom of the inning. For Pacific, Olis singled up the middle and went to second on a sacrifice by Bradley. Olis reached third on a groundout and went home on an infield single to shortstop by Francis.

Willamette's at bat began with a single by Koon. Fessler added a bunt single toward third. Parra was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Harrison reached first on a fielder's choice, as pinch-runner Jordan Ramp (Sr., LF, RHP, Sherwood, OR/Sherwood HS/Saddleback College) was thrown out at second. Koon scored on the play.

Hagarty reached base on a fielder's choice on out later, but a groundout ended the inning with runners on all three bases.

A line out started the ninth for Pacific. Duerr followed with a bunt single to third. Fernando Careaga pinch-hit and moved Duerr two bases with a single to right. Suyematsu hit into a fielder's choice. Koon grabbed the ball near first and headed toward Duerr, who was between third and home.

Koon threw to Gallant, who chased Duerr toward home. Gallant sent the ball to Brad Breier (Sr., C, Torrance, CA/South HS), who tagged Duerr, but dropped the ball. Duerr scored, giving the Boxers a 5-4 lead. After Olis walked, Bradley hit a two-run double. Keithly grounded out to bring in an additional run.

In the bottom of the ninth, Pacific recorded two outs on a grounder to second and fly ball to center field. Koon went to first base on a throwing error, but a second groundout ended the game.

Hagarty went 2 for 5 with two runs and an RBI, while Clary was 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI. Gallant and Koon also recorded two hits. Olis was 3 for 4 with three runs for Pacific, while Bradley finished 3 for 4 with a pair of RBIs.

The Bearcats will play two make-up games at University of Puget Sound on Tuesday, April 7. The doubleheader will start at 12 p.m. (PDT). Both games were rained out on March 15.