Walla Walla, Washington - The Willamette Bearcats made a clean sweep through the 2024 NWC Baseball Tournament, winning all three of their matchups. The Bearcats earn an automatic qualifier into the NCAA National Tournament with the win.
The Bearcats got on the board first with a single by Clint Walker in the second inning before the game turned scoreless until the fifth. The Pirates took their only lead in the top of the fifth as Kevin Corder’s RBI double scored Dominic Guisti and Aaron Clogston. Leaders for the Bearcats included Jeff Hoffman with 2 RBI after blasting a homer in the fifth. Luke Piazza added two runs from a single in the bottom of the eighth. For the Pirates, Austin Paul and Kevin Corder each recorded two RBIs off of two hits.
Pruitt Spritzer was awarded the win for Willamette, spending 1.1 innings on the mound, allowing one hit, no runs and striking out three. Brady Joyner earned the save with one hit, no runs, and two strikeouts in one inning.
Hunter Williams opened for the Pirates and allowed one run on two hits in two innings. Eight Pirates followed on the mound, Dylan Huntsman suffered the loss after giving up a home run to Rocco Granucci in the seventh inning.
Regional competition will begin May 17 and championship bracket games will take place May 31 - June 6 at Classic Park in Eastlake, OH. Pairings will be announced Monday at 9am on NCAA.com.