PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Lewis & Clark Pioneers closed what was a gap of 12 runs down to five, but it was too much to overcome in Sunday's 14-8 loss to the Whitman Blues at Huston Sports Complex.

Jack Thomson's seventh-inning grand slam seemingly was the spark as the Pios scored seven unanswered runs after falling behind 13-1.

Jack Savant, Zack Kon, David Schmidt and Jacob Serafini had an RBI each.

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Game 1 | Key Moments

Thomson went 2 for 3 and drew two walks as part of a tremendous opening weekend. He ranks second in the Northwest Conference in batting average (.455) through the Pios' first weekend of play.

"Jack Thomson had a really good series," Pios head coach Matt Kosderka. "Unfortunately, we didn't do enough to add to his performance. He puts a lot of pressure on himself and other teams pay extra attention to him, which makes his weekend performance even more impressive."

Brett Pierson started his first collegiate game and struck out four in the loss. Cristian Panaro, Tal Jones, Tyler Shimabukuro, Brett Sterrer and Brian Tatman all pitched in the game. 

Game 2 | Key Moments

The Pioneers held a 2-1 lead through the third inning, but were outscored 4-0 the rest of the game in a 5-2 defeat in Sunday's finale.

Thomson had a double, and Savant and Sammy Benbow brought in runs. Noah Ferruggia started and pitched just under five innings, and Anthony Clerici made his collegiate debut on the mound. Clerici and Stephen Baker combined for 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief striking out five of the seven batters they faced.

"I'm looking forward to getting back in the trenches with the guys, and I know they will respond in a positive fashion. Despite the disappointment, I was happy to see our guys continue to battle and make a game out of the first game and have our opportunities to win in game two."

Deeper Look

• Benbow finished the opening weekend with three RBI, second most on the team, and is hitting .286
• Kon is hitting .200 through the first four games of the season
• Pierson's four strikeouts are the most by any Pios pitcher during the opening weekend
• Jordan Gonzalez, Kris Wuelfing, Clerici and Ferruggia threw three apiece
• Justin Bailey went 1 for 2 in the second game after starting at second base, while Blake Tellinghusen started at catcher and went 1 for 4
• Whitman (6-6, 3-1 NWC) was led offensively by Garrett Runyan, who went 4 for 6 with five RBI with two runs in the opener

Looking Ahead

Lewis & Clark (1-3, 1-3 NWC) plays a four-game series at Linfield next weekend.