by Kyle Bohigian
The Whitworth Baseball team split a double-header at Pacific University (Ore.) on Saturday, losing the first game 2-0, and winning the second 8-2. The first game was dominated by Pacific sophomore Rob Dittrick, who pitched a four hit shutout, and increasing his personal record to 8-2 on the season. Whitworth freshman Tyler Pfeffer had two hits in the game.
The second game was again dominated by a pitcher, although this time, it was Whitworth’s turn. Whitworth senior Eric Anderson pitched a complete game, while only allowing three hits and two runs; Anderson is now 2-0 on the season. Whitworth’s batters had a great day as well; scoring eight times on 16 hits. Whitworth freshman Gerhard Muelheims was four for six from the lead-off position. Whitworth junior Landon Scott added three RBI’s, and Whitworth junior JR Jarrell contributed two RBI’s; both players hit two for four. Whitworth junior Michael Takemura and senior Nick Ashley each had one RBI.
Sunday the Pirates faced Pacific University once again, and after 11 innings, the Pirates fell to the Boxers, 5-6.
The Pirates had a rough start after senior pitcher Michael Taylor gave up five runs in just four innings. The Pirates came back later in the game to tie it up at 5-5 before going to extra innings.
Whitworth freshman Ryan Beliel pitched two solid innings, not allowing a single Boxer on base. Whitworth senior Nathan Johnson also pitched well, only allowing one run in four and a third innings (although he did give up the winning run in the eleventh). Takemura had a good day batting, he was five for five with two RBI’s. Whitworth juniors Jarrell and Kevin Valerio each had an RBI, and Johnson also contributed an RBI.
Whitworth’s overall record now stands at 16-18, and 9-9 in Northwest Conference play. The Pirate’s next game is at home against Willamette at noon on Friday, April 22.