WHITTIER, Calif. (Feb 12, 2023)- The Poets took on a Lewis and Clark team that beat them last week, as they looked to bounce back. The Pioneers jumped all over the Poets pitching last week, but the Poets were able to hold them in check before Lewis and Clark went on a late game run to win 11-8. 

Marcos Armenta Jr. was on the mound for the Poets, and the second-year man pitched well. He was able to finish the game going 6 ⅔ inning with 5 strikeouts and only 4 earned runs. He left the game with a 7-3 lead. 

Whittier was able to establish an early lead in this game scoring 5 runs in the second inning capped off by Dane Goodman's 3-run homerun and Lew Rice's RBI triple. 

The Poets were able to score 2 more runs in the 5th inning. Rice once again was able to drive in Teige Barrett, who had a lead-off triple, giving the Poets a 6-3 lead. 

As the 7th inning started the Poets had a 7-3 lead over the Pioneers, but Lewis and Clark began to figure out Whittier's pitching and tag them for three runs this inning. Lewis and Clark continued their hot streak into the final two innings, scoring 2 in the 8th and 3 in the 9th. Whittier would trail 11-7 going into the bottom of the 9th. 

Teige Barrett got the 9th started for the Poets driving a missile over the center field wall. Lew Rice and Maximus Berber were then able to get on and bring the Poets tying run to the plate with no outs. Unfortunately, the Poets streak would end there and they would fall 11-8. 

Rice had a monster day at the plate going 4-4, with a double, triple, 2 RBIs, and hit by pitch. Berber, Barrett, Goodman, and Nathan Sherman also had good days at the plate contributing multiple hits. 

The Poets' next game will be next Saturday the 18th, as they take on their fellow Alumni. This game will take place at 1:00 and the Poets baseball family invites all former Whittier players to come out and have a chance to take the field again! If you have questions about the Alumni game please contact Coach Rizzo.  

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

Follow and show support for your Whittier Poets on Twitter (@WCPoets), YouTube and Instagram (@PoetAthletics)!