PARKLAND – A seventh inning solo shot by pinch-hitter Samantha Pryor would provide the only run for the Lutes as Pacific Lutheran softball fell to George Fox 8-1 in the early game of Sunday's doubleheader. The nightcap was cancelled due to heavy rain. There are no further details on the make up contest at this time.
PLU produced seven hits in comparison to the Bruins' 14 and left six runners on base while the Bruins left only four. Shortstop Lindsey Matsunaga had the only multi-hit performance for the Lutes, going 2-for-3.
For George Fox, Baylee Westrick went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the fourth inning. Kayla Anderson had a three-hit game with an RBI while Kelsey Hansen went 3-for-4 with two runs scored.
Lutes starting pitcher Kelsey Robinson (1-2) took her second loss of the season, allowing eight earned runs in her seven innings of work. Bruins starter Erin Hento (4-0) was credited with her fourth win, tossing seven innings while allowing only one earned run with four strikeouts and no walks.
Things started out quiet for both teams until George Fox put the first runs on board in the third inning. Following a lead-off single by Kelsey Hansen, left fielder Ashley Bunce hit for a sacrifice bunt but reached first on a throwing error by Robinson which also advanced Hansen to third. George Fox continued with a sacrifice fly and a ground out that resulted in two runs scored. They would add another run off the bat of first baseman Amanda Woods before a strike out ended the inning.
The Bruins tacked on two insurance runs in the fourth inning and another three in the top half of the seventh where things got a little messy for the Lutes. George Fox loaded the bases with three consecutive singles. Catcher Courtney Howard followed with a sacrifice fly to right field that would score Kat Hylton from third. During that play, another run would cross the plate on right fielder Alison Behrend's throw to second. This also allowed base runners Anderson and Woods to advance to third and second respectively. An attempt to catch the runner at third base would allow another run to score while Woods was called safe at third. Westrick lined out to center field, allowing Woods to cross the plate for the Bruins' eighth run.
A lead-off solo home run by Lutes pinch-hitter Pryor in the home half of the seventh wouldn't be enough to get the PLU offense going. The next three batters were retired to end the game.
With the loss, PLU fell to 1-5, 0-1 NWC. George Fox continues its winning streak, advancing to 9-0, 3-0 NWC.
Pacific Lutheran is back on the field next Saturday and Sunday as they host the visiting Whitworth Pirates in two consecutive doubleheaders. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. on both days.
