TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University baseball team heads back on the road this upcoming weekend as they take on the Whitman College in a three-game series in Walla Walla, Washington.
Last weekend the Lutes (17-10, 9-6 Northwest Conference) clashed with Whitworth University at home in a three-game series, falling in two of the three to the Pirates. The Lutes fell in the first two tightly contested games 1-0 and 2-1, before taking the series finale 5-4. The Lutes fought hard in all three games this weekend behind a great pitching effort, with the bats falling a bit short.
"In order to prepare for next weekend, we are going to work hard in practice, particularly working on our hitting," said junior
Cameron Clem. "Our pitching was great this weekend, so we will look to carry that into the Whitman series. After a tough series it's important not to dwell on it but learn from it and focus on the next one."
Clem played an integral part in the Lutes lineup this weekend, taking a few important at-bats and making a few game-saving catches in right field.
"This weekend really felt good for me personally, because I've put in a lot of time and hard work over my time at PLU. It's rewarding because I didn't play a whole lot my first two years here. I'm glad to help the team in any way that I can."
As a junior, Clem has had ample time to develop as a student-athlete, both on the diamond and in the classroom.
"It can be difficult at times to manage work, school, and athletics, but it's never overwhelming for me. I've learned over the years to manage my time effectively, which requires making time to work on schoolwork."
Clem is also very working very hard in the classroom getting ready to graduate next year.
"I am a business finance major. As for post grad I'm not exactly sure, but I have always wanted to be a financial advisor, as helping people is something that is very rewarding to me."
"My interest in the field primarily comes from my grandfather, who worked in the finance sector for a long time. I also had a great teacher in high school who influenced me to study business in college."
Outside of his responsibilities, Clem has many activities that he likes to do in his free time.
"Outside of school and baseball I enjoy playing video games, watching movies, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. I also like to stay active by playing sports and working out."
Clem and the Lutes look to bounce back next weekend as they take on Whitman College in a three-game series. Game 1 on Saturday will begin at 12 p.m., with the second game starting at approximately 3 p.m. The final game will begin on Sunday at 12 p.m.
"I'm looking forward to making the push for the conference tournament. We control our own destiny on making the tournament, as we have upcoming series against other teams vying to make it. I think if we make the tournament, we can be dangerous."
April 6: PLU vs. Whitman (DH) in Walla Walla, Washington (12 p.m.)
April 7: PLU vs. Whitman in Walla Walla, Washington (12 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes have dominated the all-time series, enjoying a 94-24 advantage since the 1980 season, including sweeping the NWC series last season.
About the Blues: Whitman (13-14, 8-7 NWC) heads into the weekend series having won four of its last five games. The Blues good fortunes began on March 23, winning the second game of a doubleheader against Willamette University 4-2. Whitman smashed the Bearcats 9-1 the following day to win the series before taking two of three against George Fox University last weekend on the road in Newberg, Oregon.
Lucas Thrun leads Whitman with a .330 batting average while David Johnson has a team-high 12 extra base hits and 20 RBIs. On the mound, Matthew Sox leads the team in strikeouts with 49 in 48 1/3 innings of work, enjoying a 4-1 record with a 2.61 earned run average.
