SPOKANE, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University baseball team saw its stay at the 2019 Northwest Conference Tournament come to an early close, falling 14-3 to Pacific University on Saturday afternoon.

The Lutes (22-16) had their backs against the wall heading into the game, needing to win in order to stay alive in the double-elimination tournament. In the top of the second inning, Andy Schmitz singled and was advanced to third when Michael Cesar made it to first on a muffed throw from Pacific (25-17). Jordan Haworth hit a soaring home run to center field, driving in Schmitz and Cesar to put the Lutes ahead 3-0. This was a great demonstration from the next generation of Lutes, showing the skill and grit they will have in the years to come.

Unfortunately, the Lutes were unable to add onto their three-run lead, and were quickly overtaken in the bottom of the third when Pacific scored four runs, and added on one run in the bottom of the fifth and nine in the bottom of the sixth to solidify the 14-3 victory.

From the mound, the Lutes saw six different pitchers together performances, getting 11 strikeouts while giving up 13 earned runs and one unearned run.

"Although it was a tough way to end, this was a successful year for this team," said Head Coach Nolan Soete. "From the moment they arrived on campus in September they have worked hard to improve. The amount of growth that has taken place is truly a testament to the character of these young men and I am extremely proud of what they accomplished."

With their NWC post-season run coming to an end, the Lutes are heading into some non-conference matches against conference opponents, with the annual Cheney Game against rival  University of Puget Sound coming up first on Wednesday at 7 p.m.