SPOKANE, Wash.- The Pacific University softball team dropped a pair of games on Tuesday afternoon against Whitworth. The Pirates surrendered just one hit in game one to take the series opener before exploding for 11 runs in game two to sweep the doubleheader.
Pacific (6-16, 5-9 NWC) struggled at the plate, scoring just three runs over the two games. The Boxers were held to just one hit over the first five innings but had a better showing in game two, racking up six hits as a team.
Whitworth (17-9, 7-7 NWC) had success at the plate producing double-digit hits in both contests. The hosts also had strong performances in the circle as both starting pitchers tossed a complete game.
Michelle Winfield (Junior/Bothell, WA) had a solid day at the plate, going 2-for-6 with a walk. She also made a highlight play in the outfield, laying out for a diving catch in the gap to secure an important out.
Sydney Rusin (Junior/Portland, OR) and
Rylee Patton (Senior/Eastvale, CA) each recorded two hits in the second game.
Game 1
The game started scoreless through the first inning before the Boxers threatened in the top of the second by loading the bases with two outs. However, Pacific was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
The hosts were able to open up the scoring in the bottom of the second when they produced a two-out, RBI single with the bases loaded to make the score 1-0.
Whitworth put up a crooked number in the bottom of the third when they came up with a three-run inning to extend its lead. Pirates would add four more runs to take the game 8-0 in five innings.
Game 2
Looking to improve offensively in the second game of the day, Pacific manufactured two runs in the top of the first to take their first lead of the day. The Boxers busted out three hits in the inning to spark the rally.
The Pirates responded by scoring two runs in the bottom of the inning and tacked on two additional runs in the bottom of the second to take a 4-2 lead.
Using some smart running on the base paths, the Boxers were able to push a run across in the third frame when
Samantha Petitt (Junior/Tigard, OR) took advantage of a passed ball and raced home to score from third base. On the same play,
Carli Zanassi (Freshman/Bothell, WA) advanced to third all the way from first.
Whitworth would eventually pull away to win by a score of 11-3, taking both games on day one of the midweek series.
Up Next
The Boxers will look to split the series in tomorrow's doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Spokane, Wash.
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