Written by Student Assistant Christian Bond

Official Tournament Page

TACOMA, Wash. – Trailing by one, the top-seeded Pacific Lutheran University baseball team had runners on corners with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, but weren't able to plate the runs necessary to take the win in game one of the Northwest Conference Tournament on Friday at PLU Field as George Fox University prevailed 7-6.

The Lutes (22-15) faced an early deficit, as the Bruins (22-16) plated seven runs in the first two innings, including six in the opening inning with two outs. Janson Pederson came on in relief to quiet the bats of the Bruins. Pederson was excellent, working 4 ⅓ innings, allowing just two hits and no earned runs. Alex Gregory pitched the final 1 ⅓ innings, wiggling out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth inning.

"Pederson and Gregory did a great job today," said Head Coach Nolan Soete. "They kept us in the game and gave us a shot. The team showed a lot of fight today. Take away the first inning and we played a good game."

The PLU offense got going in the fifth inning. The bottom of the order did an excellent job in loading the bases for leadoff man Connor Cantu. Cantu singled up the middle, scoring Adam Stump and Max Cummings. Soon after, Anthony Gosline grounded out to first, scoring Matt Vick in the process. After five innings, the Lutes trailed 7-3.

The Lutes added a run in the sixth before putting together another big inning in the seventh. Cole Johnson grounded into a fielder's choice, before an errant throw brought home Cantu. Later in the inning, Marques Carlson whacked a double down the left field line, scoring Johnson. Entering the eighth inning, the Lutes trailed the Bruins 7-6.

PLU had their chances but fell short in round one of the double elimination Northwest Conference Tournament.

The Lutes are back on the diamond on Saturday at 10 a.m. in an elimination game, facing either Linfield College of Willamette University.