Bearcats Fall Twice to Chapman

ORANGE, Calif. — Willamette University (4–11) faced Chapman University (9–10) in a doubleheader on Saturday at Hart Park, suffering defeats in both games, first with a score of 6–1 and then 11–3.

In **Game 1**, the Bearcats fell to Chapman, with the game being decided in the fourth inning when Chapman scored all six of its runs, capitalizing on a string of hits and errors. Willamette's lone run came in the eighth inning but was not enough to overcome the deficit.

Chapman's six-run fourth inning proved decisive, as they recorded six hits in the frame. Joey Capobianco and Tate Zimmerman each contributed RBI singles, while a series of fielding errors extended the inning, allowing four unearned runs to score and leaving the Bearcats in a significant hole.

Willamette found opportunities to respond throughout the game but struggled to convert. Nate Hamburger provided a spark with two hits and three stolen bases, including a steal of third that set up a potential scoring chance in the first inning. However, critical outs on the basepaths, including a caught stealing and a double play, hindered any momentum. Adam Birt's RBI double in the eighth brought in Willamette's only run, but further rallies were stymied by Chapman's defense, and the Bearcats left a runner in scoring position, closing the door on their comeback attempt.

Nate Hamburger delivered a standout performance with two hits and two walks while successfully stealing three bases. Trevor Sostman reached base three times with walks and added one hit. Luca Penteriani scored once and secured a hit while also stealing a base. Adam Birt drove in a run with a double, contributing one hit to his tally for the game.

Steven Verespey pitched 4 innings for the Bearcats, allowing 10 hits and 6 runs (all earned), with 4 strikeouts and no walks, taking the loss. Brandon Goodell provided relief with 4 scoreless innings, giving up just 1 hit while striking out 3 and walking 3. For Chapman, Nick Molina delivered 6 shutout innings, surrendering 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6, earning the win. Owen Rolling closed the game with 3 innings of work, allowing 1 run on 1 hit and 5 walks, striking out 3 to secure the save.

In **Game 2**, Willamette fell to Chapman again, this time with a final score of 11–3. The Bearcats scored early with runs in the first and second innings, but Chapman's offense surged with 19 hits, including four home runs, to secure the win.

Chapman's decisive swing came in the bottom of the first inning when an error and a wild pitch set up Joey Capobianco's RBI single and Tate Zimmerman's two-run homer. These unearned runs put Willamette on the back foot early, creating a challenging deficit.

The Bearcats had opportunities to shift the momentum, notably in the first inning when Olen Nofziger singled and Nate Hamburger walked, leading to a sacrifice fly by Carter Stoltz. In the second inning, Adam Birt scored on a throwing error, showcasing Willamette's ability to capitalize on mistakes. However, subsequent innings saw missed opportunities with runners stranded. For instance, in the third inning, Trevor Sostman advanced to second on a wild pitch but was left on base after two strikeouts.

Despite another run in the seventh inning, driven by a series of walks and a wild pitch that allowed Nofziger to score, Willamette could not close the gap. Chapman's consistent scoring across multiple innings, combined with the Bearcats' inability to convert base runners into runs, ultimately sealed the game's outcome.

Olen Nofziger crossed home plate twice for Willamette. Nate Hamburger drew three walks and successfully stole a base. Adam Birt recorded two hits, including a double, while scoring once. Liam O'Connor made a defensive impact with four assists from the shortstop position.

Elliot Hsu led the pitching efforts for the Bearcats in this game, throwing 3 1/3 innings while allowing 10 hits and 7 runs (including 3 home runs) and striking out 2 batters. Austin Bilello contributed 2 2/3 innings, yielding 5 hits and 2 earned runs with 2 strikeouts. Finn Hoover pitched 2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs while striking out none. For Chapman, Luke Bradley had a standout performance, pitching 6 innings with 4 hits, 1 earned run, and 6 strikeouts, securing the win. Graham Stogner closed effectively with 1 inning of work, striking out all 3 batters he faced without allowing a hit or run.

The Bearcats now hold a record of 4–11, while Chapman improves to 9–10.