WHITTIER, Calif. (May 6, 2023)- The Poets played their final 2 games of the season today in a doubleheader against Pomona-Pitzer. Before the games, both teams took a moment to honor the graduating seniors. The 6 seniors that are graduating from Whitter's roster were Matt Woods, Collin Drummond, Sean Conboy, Dane Goodman, Arturo Escandon, and Jack Guerrero. The outcome however did not fall in the Poets favor as Pomona took both games today, the first 7-6 and the second 15-0. 

Game 1:

Aaron Cazares took the ball for the Poets in his final start of the season. The first year man got some early run support from his offense, but did not factor into the decision. 

Lew Rice led the bottom of the second off with a double to left center field and was brought around to score the Poets first run of the game on the next batter. Matt Woods, one of our seniors, squared a ball up into right field, allowing Rice to score. Jay Schulze then walked to put runners on first and second for Jackson Brummett. Brummett laid down a SAC bunt and the Sagehens threw the ball away bringing Woods home. Following this play, James Stirton was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Goodman, another graduating senior, then stepped to the plate and drove a ball down the right field line to bring 2 more runs home. Whittier was now leading 4-0. Teige Barrett hit a single and Woods drew a walk later in this inning to bring home 2 more runners. At the end of the inning the Poets led 6-0. 

Unfortunately though, the Poets could not get their offense going again after this inning and did not score another run. Pomona on the other hand, just began to chip away at the next 7 innings. The Sagehens scored their final run of the game in the top of the ninth and this turned out to be the deciding one. 

The Poets would end up falling 7-6. Goodman would lead the way for Whittier with 2 hits, a run scored, and 2 RBIs. 

Game 2: 

The second game of the day was not the prettiest one for Whitter. Pomona quickly got off to a hot start, scoring 6 runs in the first inning. 

In the second inning, Marcos Armenta Jr. came into the game and was able to strike out the side for a great bounce back for Whittier. Sean Conboy then lined a shot into right field in the bottom of the second, looking to get something started for the Poets. But nothing came for the Poets this inning. 

Pomona-Pitzer continued to score runs on Whittier this game and the Poets did not seem to have an answer. The Sagehens were able to shut down a Poet lineup, that has been held scoreless only once this season, to a 15-0 victory. 

Whittier managed only 4 hits this game, with 3 of them coming from the top of their order by Goodman, Barrett, and Rice. The Poets bats were not able to get going today, after leading the charge for the team the majority of the year. 

This concludes our season for the year. We would like to thank you all for following along with our Poets through the game recaps. A big shout out and good luck to our graduating seniors on their next endeavors. Stay tuned for a full season recap to come later!

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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