BOX SCORE

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Lewis & Clark baseball team picked up a 7-5 win over Whitman in game one of its three game Northwest Conference series. 

 The Missionaries got things going quickly, scoring four runs in the first two innings, before the Pioneers settled into the contest. Lewis & Clark's starting pitcher, Aaron Landecker, settled into a rhythm retiring Whitman in order over the next three innings.

The bottom of the fifth inning was a huge one for the Pioneers, with the team scoring five runs on six hits. Sophomore Andrew Traver came around to score the first run of the inning, after leading off with a single up the middle. Evan Gray brought Traver home with a double to center. Matthew Cathcart then singled on a rocket hit to second, brining Gray around to score. With the bases loaded and two outs, Eric Hyun came up huge for the Pioneers, clearing the bases with a double to right field.

Trailing 5-4, Whitman tied the game in the top of the sixth after a sacrifice fly by Kyle Buckham brought in Jimmy Madden.

Lewis & Clark recaptured the lead in the bottom half of the sixth on an RBI single by Gray. Hayden Higger came in to score on the play after reaching base on a single to right and moving to second on a wild pitch.

Michael Kinkenon brought in the Pioneers final run of the game, singling through the right side, allowing Bradley Lezak to come in.

Alex Heimbrodt came in in the fifth and picked up the win for Lewis & Clark, while Ryan Strombom collected his second save of the season.

Lezak and Gray both ended the game 2-for-4 from the plate. Hyun concluded the game 1-for-2, while walking once.