WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- A five-run fifth inning by the Whitman Blues stopped the momentum the Lewis & Clark Pioneers built with runs in the third and fourth innings as the Pios lost 7-2 in a non-conference game on Thursday at Borleske Stadium.

Sean Shepherd, who finished 1 for 4, had a RBI in the third inning to give the Pioneers an early lead, and Chandler Vieira's walk in the fourth forced in another run to give the Pios a 2-1 edge.

Lewis & Clark used seven different pitchers with Austin Conniff throwing the longest. The sophomore went two innings with four hits allowed and one run scored. The Pioneers play Northwest Conference-counting games starting Saturday against Whitworth and were resting their starters. Nat Richman got the start on Thursday and threw an inning of scoreless ball, as did Zach Merzlak and Ben Beck. Connor Eggleston (1-3) took this second-straight loss by allowing three runs on one hit and two walks in the fifth inning.

Beck finished with two hits and a run scored to lead the Pioneers offensively. Vieira had a double.

Steven Ainsworth (2-3) won the game for the Blues with four strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings. Tyler Lewis and Cole Edwards had three hits apiece for Whitman.

Lewis & Clark's series with Whitworth begins on Saturday at 12 p.m. in Spokane, Wash.