Bearcats Drop Doubleheader Despite Early Offense

GEORGETOWN, Texas — Willamette University (2-6) faced East Texas Baptist University (6-0) in a doubleheader on Saturday at Taylor-Sanders Field, suffering defeats of 10-2 in the first game and 9-3 in the second.

In Game 1, Willamette jumped out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first two innings. M. Pinheiro reached on an error and later scored on a bases-loaded walk drawn by J. Hopkins in the first. The second inning saw D. Hatfield score after leading off with a single, thanks to a productive groundout by Pinheiro. However, East Texas Baptist responded with a powerful offensive display, including two home runs, to take control of the game.

The turning point came in the third inning when East Texas Baptist capitalized on a series of hits and an error to score four runs, extending their lead to 7-2. A two-RBI single and a passed ball that allowed another run to score highlighted this offensive surge. Despite Willamette's efforts, including M. Filger's team-high two hits and Hopkins' two walks with an RBI, the Bearcats could not break through against the opposing pitchers after the second inning.

M. Petersen pitched three innings for Willamette, striking out three batters but allowing six earned runs and eight hits. A. Holland of East Texas Baptist was the standout pitcher, throwing a complete game over five innings, allowing four hits, two runs (one earned), and striking out three batters. The Bearcats concluded the game with a record of 2-5, while East Texas Baptist improved to 5-0.

In Game 2, Willamette again found themselves trailing early, but they mounted a comeback attempt in the fifth inning. The Bearcats scored all three of their runs in this inning, highlighted by five doubles. E. Elliott led off with a double, followed by M. Pinheiro's RBI double. D. Hatfield's triple down the right field line drove in another run, and M. Petersen capped the effort with an RBI double, narrowing the score to 4-3.

However, East Texas Baptist broke the game open in the sixth inning, with I. Morales tripling down the right field line to drive in three runs and establish a 7-3 advantage. Willamette's attempts to rally in the seventh were thwarted as they ended the game without a hit, while committing four errors throughout the contest.

D. Hatfield stood out with a triple, a run scored, and an RBI. M. Petersen recorded two doubles and drove in a run, while M. Pinheiro added a double and an RBI. E. Elliott also contributed with a double and a run scored. A. Loomis pitched 6 1/3 innings for Willamette, allowing eight hits and nine runs (eight earned), while striking out four and walking seven. L. Brasher made a brief appearance, pitching 2/3 of an inning without allowing a hit or walk. For East Texas Baptist, A. Kemp delivered a complete game victory, striking out ten over seven innings, allowing seven hits and three earned runs.

With these results, Willamette's overall record dropped to 2-6, while East Texas Baptist improved to 6-0.