Setting the Scene: The Lutes return to Tacoma with a series win against nationally-ranked Pacific University under their belt as they host Willamette University in the first NWC home series of the season at PLU Field.
Series History: The Lutes and Bearcats have met 130 times since 1980 with the scales tilted 69-61 in favor of Willamette. The two teams split the regular season series 2-2 last spring before the Bearcats had the last laugh, winning two against the Lutes in the 2021 NWC Tournament.
About the Lutes: PLU (6-2, 2-1 NWC) sits tied atop the NWC standings after earning a series win over 18th-ranked Pacific to open conference play.
The Lute bats were humming in game one last Saturday, collecting an 8-2 win behind a strong effort from Alex Boyd. Boyd went four-for-five with three RBIs and two runs scored while Andy Schmitz and Tori Doten both added three hits apiece.
On the hill, Tommy Snyder was dialed in, striking out six in seven innings of labor to earn the win.
The Boxers jumped ahead early in game two, tying the series with an 8-4 win before the Lutes outlasted Pacific 4-3 in Sunday's finale to secure the series win.
Ashton Barton was the hero in the rubber match, driving in Jordan Haworth in the 11th inning on a single up the middle that proved to be the decisive run. Schmitz and Jordan Haworth both had big days at the plate, each collecting three base hits.
Lute closer Alex Gregory earned the win after striking out five in 4 1/3 innings of shutout ball and on Monday was named the NWC Pitcher of the Week.
About the Bearcats: Willamette (4-3, 2-1 NWC) opened its NWC slate last weekend by winning two of three against visiting George Fox University.
The Bearcats swept the Saturday doubleheader, prevailing 3-2 and 7-1 before ending on the wrong side of an 11-5 scoreline on Sunday as the Bruins prevented the series sweep.
Layton Wagner leads the Bearcats with six RBIs, sporting a .294 batting average with three extra base hits while Jonny Succor has five RBIs and a .333 average.
On the mound, Wagner has tossed a team-high 11 2/3 innings, striking out 12 while Eric Waldichuk owns a 1.64 earned run average with a team-high 15 punchouts. Justin Miller is the Bearcats' third starter, racking up 14 strikeouts in 10 innings of work.
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Next Home Game:
Mar. 19: PLU hosts Puget Sound (DH) at 12 p.m.
PLU Non-Discrimination Policy: Pacific Lutheran University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator Jennifer Childress-White; 253-535-7361; TitleIX@plu.edu