FOREST GROVE, Ore. – Pacific battled back from a three-run deficit to tie the game in the eighth inning, but Willamette rallied in extra innings to snatch the series finale and avoid the sweep.
The Boxers (22-11, 13-8 NWC) saw their win streak snapped after seven games but still retain the top spot in the Northwest Conference standings with three games left to play.
Prior to first pitch, 14 seniors were honored for their hard work and dedication to the Pacific baseball program. The seniors included
Jordan Hara,
Max Nealon,
Ryan Krout,
Brad Altomare,
Derek Eubanks,
Carter Chapman,
Kevin Crowell,
Cole Strober,
Liam Cammall,
Nolan McNeill,
Bubba Chuckas,
Todd Takeuchi,
Tyler Nakata, and
Kamaha'o Arita.
Four Boxers enjoyed a multi-hit game as Pacific banged out 11 hits as a team. Despite the solid offensive display, the Boxers struggled to find any timely hits as they stranded 11 runners on base.
Ryan Krout (Senior/Washougal, WA) went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI while
Isaac Lovings (Senior/Beaverton, OR) smacked a pair of doubles in his 2-for-4 day.
Tyler Quinn (Junior/Mililani, HI) and
Brad Altomare (Senior/San Ramon, CA) notched two hits apiece.
How It Happened
Defensive mishaps plagued the Boxers early in the contest, allowing the Bearcats to take a commanding 2-0 lead after two innings. Pacific got a run back in the home half of the second, but a double play and a strikeout would halt the threat.
After two scoreless frames, starting pitcher
Derek Eubanks (Senior/Oregon City, OR) was chased out of the game after surrendering two runs in the fifth. The left hander allowed three earned runs in his 4.2 innings of work, striking out five in his no-decision.
Back-to-back extra-base hits from
Jordan Hara (Senior/Aiea, HI) and Krout sparked a two-run sixth inning, trimming the deficit to just one run.
Hara walked to lead off the eighth inning and Lovings followed with base-on-balls to put runners on first and second.
Ty Yukumoto (Freshman/Waipahu, HI) stepped up to the plate and came up clutch for the second straight day, lacing a double to right field to even things up at 4-4.
Unfortunately, the Boxers were unable to capitalize with runners on second and third with one out, and the game would be tied heading into the ninth.
Willamette used two hits, a sacrifice fly, and a successful squeeze bunt to score twice in the tenth. The visitors held on, getting the final three outs to take the series finale and avoid the sweep.
Up Next
The Boxers host Linfield on April 13 for a midweek bout against Linfield. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
For the latest information on Pacific Athletics, make sure to check out GoBoxers.com. You can also find the Boxers on social media at @GoBoxers on
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