FOREST GROVE, Ore -- The Lewis & Clark Pioneers completed a four-game sweep of the Pacific Boxers with an 8-5 win in 12 innings on Sunday. They won the first game 5-4, carried by 14 hits, two times what Pacific tallied.
Game 1
Although Pacific scored first, in the bottom of the first and second innings, the Pios offense along with great relief pitching carried them to the win.
Down 3-0 in the top of the third, the Pios responded offensively when Stephanie Garcia grounded out to the shortstop, allowing Lisa Kumasaka to score. Kumasaka hit a single up the middle to lead off the inning, and promply stole second on the next play. An error by Pacific's catcher allowed her another base, putting her in scoring position for Garcia's at-bat.
Kumasaka was also a key player in the next scoring play of the game, when her RBI single allowed Jenai Rojo to score and advanced Tiana Rosario to third. On the next at-bat, Ashley Bolick singled to left center field, allowing Rosario and Kumasaka to cross the plate.
Lindsay Yearman singled in the sixth, her third hit of the day, and brought in the eventual game-winning run at Sherman/Larkins Field.
Bolick hit a one-out single to get on base and was brought in by Yearman, who finished 3 of 4 and reached base four times. Bolick had hit a two-RBI single in the fourth that tied the game.
Savannah Dickson earned her first career win in relief of Pioneers starter Kaili Akimseu, throwing 5 2/3 innings.
"Ariel caught two fantastic games and our defense was lights out," said Dickson, who struck out two. Dickson allowed two hits without giving up a run.
Game 2
Dickson won the second game in the circle, going for five innings and allowing one run while striking out two. Like the first game, Dickson won in relief, replacing starter Kalin Rooney, who pitched seven innings, allowing four runs and striking out two.
With the second game win, the Pios have won five straight and claimed their first single-weekend sweep in Shawna Cyrus' eight years as head coach.
Zoe Juarez, Jenai Rojo and Ariel Trinidad finished with two hits apiece. Ashley Bolick hit a RBI single and scored along with Tiana Rosario on Lisa Kumasaka's at-bat in the 12th inning.
"The team was mentally tough especially when everyone was tired," said Rosario, who scored three runs. "We were all in it to win it today. It was awesome."
Ateisha Norton and Lisa Kumasaka each had a double.
Emily Gaines took the loss for the Boxers, throwing the final four innings. Taylor Nishimura was 4 for 6 from the plate.
The Pios continue play on Tuesday, carrying on a suspended game against Puget Sound, which was originally scheduled for Mar. 28. Play resumes at 4 p.m. at Pacific University.
