Box Score Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
WHITTIER, Calif. – The Whittier College Baseball team forced extras Friday afternoon to open a three-game series with Chapman University but couldn't come away with the win as they fell 8-6 at Hugh B. Mendez Stadium.
The Panthers struck first in the 3rd with a two-run shot off the bat of Kevitch. Whittier then used a sacrifice fly from Mason Blansett (Lodi, Calif.) in the bottom half of the frame to cut the deficit in half, capitalizing on an error by the left fielder.
A three-spot by CU in the 4th moved the score to 5-1 but that lead wouldn't hold as Whittier would strike for two in the 5th this time with Jacob Bauer (Pleasanton, Calif.) and Alexander Jelloian (Chatsworth, Calif.) collecting base hits up the middle that scored Nick Krska (Happy Valley, OR) and Dane Goodman (Ross, Calif.).
Each team brought across another in the 7th. Jelloian added his second RBI on the day with a sacrifice fly to left moving the score to 6-4.
Then in the 8th, the Purple & Gold tied things up with two runs on three hits. Brandon Mulrooney (Placentia, Calif.) started things off with a single down the left field line. Krska followed with a double to left that put two runners in scoring position and two batters later Goodman doubled to the opposite field with two outs that made the score 6-6. After a scoreless 9th Chapman was able to break through with two in the 10th. Using a Shimabuku double to right center and a two-out single from Penniman the Panthers were able to go on top, a lead they would hold.
Andrew Chavez (West Covina, Calif.) got the start and went 6.0 innings giving up five runs (two earned) on six hits. He left with the no decision. Justin Kottinger (Stockton, Calif.) came in relief and threw the final 4.0 innings giving up three runs on four hits earning the loss, while dropping to 2-1.
Krska finished the day 2-for-4 with a pair of runs. Goodman was also 2-for-4 scoring once and driving in two and Mulrooney was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Jelloian provided a 1-for-3 effort with two RBI's and Jarryd Samsing was 3-for-5.
