By: Amanda Dow-Allen
Sports Information Assistant

PORTLAND, Ore- The Lewis & Clark softball team played two games against Whitworth Saturday losing both with scores of 10-2 in six innings and 10-5.  The Pioneers move to 11-22 overall and 7-17 in conference play, while the Pirates move to 24-14 overall and a 16-10 conference record.

Game One:

The Pirates opened the game strong in the first inning scoring five runs on four hits and two errors. The big hitter of the inning was Peyton McMahon with two outs hit a three run homer to left field.

In the top of the second the Pirates scored two more runs on three hits and two errors. Julia Johnson hit a two run homer in the top of the third to put the Pirates up 9-0.

The Pioneers started to fight back in the bottom of the fifth when Jenai Rojo was hit by a pitch, and advanced to second when Amanda Rabith was also hit by a pitch. Kelsey Buck then hit a single up the middle to load the bases. A single to left field by Haley Robinson scored Rojo and kept the bases loaded. Tiana Rosario then grounded out to second advancing the runners and scoring Rabith.

Two runs was all the Pioneers could manage as the Pirates used two hits and an error to score one more run in the sixth to take the lead by eight runs. With three quick outs the Pioneers take a loss 10-2.

Kalin Rooney (2-3) takes the loss for the Pioneers pitching one and one third innings giving up six hits and two walks, while seven runs scored. Hallie Knife also saw time on the mound pitching four and two thirds innings giving up three runs on six hits while walking two and striking out eight. Madi Perez (12-5) takes the win for the Pirates pitching six innings allowing three hits and two runs, while walking one and striking out three.

Game Two:

The Pirates came out strong again in game two scoring three runs on two hits and one error in the first inning. One more run off two hits in the second put the Pirates up 3-0. The top of the fourth and fifth each brought one run for the Pirates using three hits.

The Pioneers used the bottom of the fifth to get on the board and score a run. With two outs Robinson singled to the pitcher and advanced to second when Rosario singled to left field. With a Hannah Dal Pra walk the bases were loaded for Madison Hollenbeck who also drew a walk scoring Robinson from third.

Holding the Pirates to zero runs in the six, the Pioneers began a comeback in the bottom of the frame. Maddie Lee began the inning with a single up the middle but was thrown out at the plate when Rojo smacked a double to right field. Caitlin Basilio drew a walk, while Buck was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out. Robinson with a patient at bat walked and scored Rojo. With two outs Dal Pra singled down the left field line scoring both Buck and Basilio. Hollenbeck then singled down the left field line and scored Robinson for the fourth run of the inning taking the score to 6-5.

The Pirates took a bigger lead in the seventh scoring four runs. Johnson hit another homer for the day scoring three runs and taking the Pirate lead to five runs. The Pioneers couldn't score in the bottom of the frame losing 10-5.

Hollenbeck (7-12) takes the loss on the mound pitching seven innings allowing ten runs on twelve hits, while walking five and striking out two.  Makayla Lefever (16-6) takes the win for the Pirates pitching four and two thirds innings giving up one runs on five hits, while walking two and striking out three. Perez comes in for a save while Riley Fritz also saw time on the mound for the Pirates.

The two teams are back at it Sunday April 13 for another double-header beginning at noon at Huston Sports Complex. The Pioneers will celebrate their seniors Caitlin Basilio and Ariel Wilks before the games start.