TACOMA, Wash. - After an impressive showing from the Pacific Lutheran University bullpen, the Lutes took the first game and dropped the second game of a doubleheader against NWC competitors George Fox University.

The Lutes started off their first conference home game strong with dominant hitting and base running by the lead-off hitter Austin Gormley.  Gormley, who hit a single up the middle to start the inning, stole second base after being moved back to the base several times in a row by the Bruins pitcher.  A wild pitch moved Gormley to third, and two consecutive walks put both Jacob Bockelie and Marques Carlson on base for first-year Michael Cesar, who popped a sacrifice fly up to right, driving in Gormley.

In the bottom of the third, first-year Jordan Haworth was walked to start off the inning.  Bockelie grounded out to first, advancing Haworth to second, and a single-turned-double through an error by the Bruins drove Haworth in to take the Lutes to a 2-0 lead.  An Andy Schmitz triple drove in Carlson, putting the Lutes ahead 3-0. 

The Bruins gained one back in the top of the 5th inning on a throwing error by the Lutes, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early success of PLU.

The real star of this first game, however, spent 8 innings on the mound.  Justin Armbruester kept the Bruins to only 5 hits, while racking up 12 strikeouts- his goal for the day was 8, and he well surpassed that.

"The home opener is always a special game every year! I just went out there and worked my stuff and had pitch to pitch mentality," said Armbruester.  "It was a great to see our freshman play well and help me out when I needed."

The second game, while not ideal, showcased some young talent from the Lutes. After giving up one run in the first inning, first-year Justin Tucker went 5 1/2 innings without allowing another score, striking out 7 batters during that time.  

First-years Andy Schmitz and Jordan Haworth again showed a lot of promise on the field, racking up 3 hits between them in the second game.  

"We have a talented hardworking squad," said Head Coach Nolan Soete.  "We do have a lot of youth, but we have a lot of guys that love to play the game. This team is fun to coach. Our goal is to improve every week and peak at the right time toward the end of the regular season."

The Lutes return to the field Sunday at noon to finish out their three-game series against the Bruins.