Whitworth split a double-header on Friday against NWC opponent Willamette. The Pirates won the first game, 10-4, but lost the second, 4-0. Whitworth’s overall record now stands at 17-19, while their Northwest Conference record is now 10-10.

The Whitworth offense won the first game, scoring enough runs in the fifth inning alone to secure the victory. Senior Kyle Krustangel began the inning with a solo home run, and it was all gravy from there as the Bucs scored four more times in the fifth. Senior Kevin Valerio and junior JR Jarrell both had 3 RBI’s on the day. Senior Nathan Johnson, junior Landon Scott,and freshman Tyler Pfeffer each added an RBI for the Pirates. Junior Michael Takemura hit three for four. All of this offense was enough to overcome three home runs by Willamette players Doug Bloom, T.C. Lee, and Max Stepan.

Whitworth could not overcome home runs by Bloom, Lee, and Stepan again in the second game, however.  Whitworth dropped the second game of the double-header, 4-0. All four runs were given up by starting senior Eric Anderson, while Whitworth failed to score any runs, even with nine hits in the game. Whitworth senior Johnson, as well as juniors Scott and Krustangel, each had two hits. Senior Michael Taylor finished the game strong, pitching four hit-less innings, with four strikeouts.

Whitworth’s next game is April 23 at noon against Willamette at home.