TACOMA, Wash. — An eighth inning single proved the difference-maker on Saturday afternoon as the Pacific Lutheran University baseball team fell 1-0 to visiting Pacific University in the opening game of a three-game Northwest Conference series. 

Lute starter Spencer Howell tossed a gem, striking out seven and allowing just three hits in 6 2/3 innings in what turned out to be a no decision for the ace. Pacific's (5-5, 2-2 NWC) Will Clark was equally efficient, striking out four and yielding five hits in seven innings of work. The Boxer's Cayden Okada closed the books on the Lutes, striking out three in two scoreless innings to net the save.

"Our pitchers did well today," said Head Coach Nolan Soete.

"Howell had a great start, it was the best he looked all season. Cohen did well, he just had some bad luck. Moreno did a really nice job working out of a jam. Our offense has been good all year but today we had way too many non-competitive at-bats and you can't afford that against a pitcher like Clark."

PLU (6-6, 1-3 NWC) had chances early in the game, coming up empty handed with two runners on base in the bottom of the first while the Lutes' failed to produce any runs in the second despite having the bases juiced and just one out. 

Small ball produced the winning run for the Boxers with a bunt single leading off the eighth. Another bunt put runners on the corners before a single through the left side produced what turned out to be the game's lone run.

PLU stranded eight on base over the course of the game. Ashton Barton and Andy Schmitz led the Lutes at the plate, each collecting a hit and a walk. Chris Moreno had a strong game in the pen, earning the final six outs and striking out three.

"We need to clean a few things up, but I beleive we will put it all together and play better tomorrow."

The Lutes and Boxers finish off the series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.