Bearcast Split in Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Willamette University (4-8, 2-4) played a doubleheader against California Lutheran University (15-4, 3-0) on Saturday at "Sparky" Anderson Stadium, securing a decisive 6–1 victory in the first game before falling 13–6 in the second.

In Game 1, the Bearcats' offense was highlighted by a two-run seventh inning, while their pitching staff allowed just three hits and no earned runs over nine innings. The Kingsmen scored their lone run in the second inning but were unable to capitalize further against the Bearcats' strong defense. Cal Lutheran struck first in the second inning, capitalizing on an error by the Bearcats' second baseman, allowing an unearned run to score. However, Willamette responded decisively with a series of key plays that shifted the game's momentum. In the sixth inning, Carter Stoltz's single and Luca Penteriani's follow-up hit set the stage. Adam Birt delivered an RBI single, and a productive groundout by Cam Hammer brought in another run, putting the Bearcats ahead.

The seventh inning proved pivotal as Trevor Sostman drew a walk, and Stoltz extended the lead with a two-run home run. This surge solidified the Bearcats' control, making it difficult for Cal Lutheran to rally. The Bearcats' defense played a crucial role, turning two double plays, including one in the ninth inning, which stifled any comeback attempt. Stoltz was instrumental, not only with his bat but also in maintaining a solid defense, contributing to a comprehensive team victory.

Stoltz led Willamette with a strong offensive performance, recording four hits, including a home run, and driving in three runs. Steven Verespey pitched a complete game, allowing just three hits and striking out three batters over nine innings. Sostman contributed with a hit and an RBI, drawing a walk and scoring a run. Shayde Koga showcased his speed on the field with a stolen base and collected one hit and a run.

Verespey was the standout for the Bearcats, pitching a complete game and earning the win with 9 innings of work, allowing only 3 hits and 1 unearned run while striking out 3 and walking 3. His performance was marked by a low WHIP of 0.67, highlighting his effective control throughout the game. For Cal Lutheran, Oscar Lopez took the loss after pitching 5 1/3 innings, during which he surrendered 3 earned runs on 7 hits and 3 walks, despite striking out 5 batters. Caleb Wilson and David Zambelli followed Lopez, with Wilson allowing 2 earned runs over 1 2/3 innings, including a home run, and Zambelli giving up 1 earned run on 3 hits in 2 innings of relief.

In Game 2, Willamette fell to California Lutheran with a final score of 13–6. Despite the loss, the Bearcats rallied in the middle innings, scoring five runs across the fifth and sixth innings. Cal Lutheran took control of the game with a decisive seven-run fourth inning, maintaining their lead throughout. The fourth inning saw the Kingsmen capitalize on a series of miscues by the Bearcats, with Lucas Danielewicz driving in the first run. The inning spiraled with multiple errors and wild pitches, leading to seven runs, four of which were unearned, establishing a commanding lead that Willamette could not overcome.

Willamette showed resilience in the fifth and sixth innings. Cam Hammer's speed was evident with two stolen bases and a run scored in the fifth. In the sixth, Shayde Koga hit a two-run double, and Olen Nofziger added an RBI single, trimming the deficit. Despite these efforts, Cal Lutheran's earlier surge proved insurmountable. In the seventh inning, the Bearcats managed to add another run when Liam O'Connor tripled and scored on an error. However, the momentum swing in the fourth inning remained the pivotal moment, sealing the outcome despite Willamette's late attempts to rally.

Olen Nofziger contributed significantly with two hits and one RBI, also scoring a run and stealing a base. Cam Hammer finished with three hits and two runs, along with two stolen bases. Shayde Koga drove in two runs with his double and recorded one hit. Liam O'Connor tallied two hits, including a triple, and scored a run.

Nate Schikore of Willamette pitched 5 innings, allowing 9 runs on 8 hits with 4 earned runs and 2 strikeouts, ultimately taking the loss. Finn Hoover provided 2 scoreless innings of relief for the Bearcats, giving up only 1 hit while striking out 1. For Cal Lutheran, Justin Gottlieb secured the win by pitching 5 innings, surrendering 2 runs on 6 hits with 1 strikeout. Matt Campo contributed with 2 scoreless innings of relief, striking out 1 and allowing only 1 hit.

The Bearcats have a record of 4-8 and 2-4 in the conference. Cal Lutheran has a record of 15-4 and 3-0 in the conference.