PARKLAND – Pacific Lutheran softball was unable to capitalize on multi-hit innings, stranding 14 total baserunners and falling twice to Whitworth on Saturday. Whitworth won 4-3 in the opening matchup and took a 4-2 victory in game two.
With the losses, the Lutes fell to 1-8 overall, with a 0-5 conference record. Whitworth improved to 14-3 overall, 7-0 in conference play.
On offense for the Lutes, senior Spencer Sherwin went 3-for-8 with a triple, home run and an RBI. Freshman Thalen Masada went 3-for-6 with two runs scored and four stolen bases. Junior Kelsey Robinson had three hits with a double and two runs batted in.
So long as weather cooperates, PLU and Whitworth will return to the field on Sunday for the final game of this four-game series. First pitch is set for 12:00 pm.
Game 1: Whitworth 4 – PLU 3
The Lutes came in hot in game one, getting things started with Sherwin's lead-off triple in the first inning. Masada followed with a walk then stole second, allowing a double by pitcher Robinson to score the runners to put the Lutes up 2-0. PLU added an insurance run in the third inning courtesy of Katie Lowery's RBI single to center.
With her RBI double, Taylor Gilbert put one run on the board for the Pirates in the fourth inning, allowing Whitworth to push a tie-game in its two-run fifth inning. The Pirates loaded the bases with two singles and a walk. Pinch-hitter Megan John followed with a double to left field to bring in the tying run. A 1-2-3 inning in the home half of the fifth did not allow the Lutes to retaliate.
The Pirates put two runners on base in the sixth, one with a single and one on a fielder's choice. A bunt single off the bat of Brittany Connor would score the go-ahead run for Whitworth.
The Lutes couldn't get things going in the home half of the sixth, falling victim to another 1-2-3 inning. With one out in the seventh, Masada reached on a fielding error by pitcher Makayla Lefever to put the tying run on base, but Lefever retired the next two batters to secure the 4-3 victory for Whitworth.
Robinson (1-3) took the loss, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and only one walk. She struck out three. Lefever (2-0) was credited with the win, allowing one earned run on six hits with four strikeouts.
Game 2: Whitworth 4 – PLU 2
Much like game one, Sherwin got things started in a big way for the Lutes, leading off with a solo home run to tie the game 1-1. It was her first homer of the season.
Still tied in the third inning, the Pirates showed they could go yard as well with a two-run shot by Julia Johnson to pull ahead 3-1.
The Lutes threatened in the sixth inning, loading the bases with no outs. Robinson led off with a single followed by Lindsey Matsunaga who reached on a fielder's choice. Lowery laid down a bunt for an infield single to load the bases for Kailyn Osaki. Osaki singled down the right field line to score Robinson from third, prompting Whitworth to make a pitching change. With Riley Fritz in the circle, the Pirates retired the next three Lutes batters to put PLU's rally to rest. A two-error inning for PLU would put an insurance run on the board for Whitworth. A quick 1-2-3 home half of the seventh ended the game.
Leah Butters (0-4) pitched a complete game, allowing three earned runs off nine hits and no walks. She struck out three. Pirates' starter Madi Perez collected her seventh win of the season, tossing four innings while allowing only one earned run on four hits, three walks and two strike outs. Riley Fritz was credited with the save, her first this season.
