LOS ANGELES, Calif. – A day after the rain, under the blue, sunny skies in Southern California, the Willamette University Bearcats stormed to a 17-2 victory over the Occidental College Tigers in non-conference action on Anderson Field.

Not much went in favor of the Black and Orange today as Willamette concluded their So Cal trip with 17 runs on 20 hits and a 5-for-6 day from designated hitter Max Stepan who was a triple shy of the cycle. His hit-streak did however include a hat-trick of homeruns, two of which hit the clubhouse in center field, while driving in six and scoring four times.

Brooks Belter highlighted the pitching staff, striking out five in two innings of work, as he retired the side in order in the eighth before juggling a come-backer and tossing the ball to Pedro Aldape at first for the final out of the afternoon on the defensive side of things.

Twelve of the 27 outs recorded by the Tigers came via strikeout. Each pitcher who took the hill had at least one. Tyler Eyrich tallied three in 2.0 innings.

The Tigers were held to six hits with Jacob Lee doubling down the left field line, for the only extra base hit of the game, to lead off the eighth. Van Fudge, Pedro Aldape and Jacob Coleman each singled in the inning, with Coleman earning the only RBI of the afternoon, sending Fudge home. Aldape would then score on a Bearcats' error.

To lead off the game, Anthony Salsedo layed down a bunt for a single and promptly swiped second, the only stolen base of the game. Stephen Hilliard connected for a two-out single in the fourth to close out the offensive attack.

Riley Smith and Sam Jacobs each drew a walk in the loss.

For Willamette (5-3) Chris Torgerson earned the win after going 6.0 innings, scattering two hits and allowing no runs.

Occidental (5-6, 1-2 SCIAC) will travel to Pasadena for an unusual Monday double-header with Caltech after the teams were rained out on Saturday. First pitch for the Tigers and Beavers is scheduled for noon.  

Article by Tracy Maple, Sports Information Director