WHITTER, CA. (MAY 3, 2024)- In their final home game of the season the Whittier College Poets were playing host to the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens. In a pitchers dual Maximus Berber (Riverside, Calif., Ramona HS) and Teige Barrett (San Diego, Calif., Mira Mesa HS) gave their all to the Poets, but unfortunately were out dueled by the Sagehens arms. Pomona would hold on to win this one 2-0. 

In the first and second innings of this game the Poets threatened to take an early lead, but were not able to capitalize on their runners in scoring position and the game remained tied. 

Then in the bottom of the fifth Whittier once again had a chance after loading the bases. Delvan Gomez (Artesia, Calif., Gahr HS, Cerritos College) singled through the left side to start the inning and was moved over to second on a Coehn Nakasone (Aiea, Hawaii, Mid-Pacific HS) SAC bunt. Lew Rice (Walkerton, Va., IMG Academy) then walked and Joe Plaskett (Fremont, Calif., Washington HS) reached on an error to load the bases. Alexander Jasso (South Gate, Calif., Maywood Center for Enriched Studies) came in to pinch-hit and took a beautiful swing at the ball, but unfortunately their defense was lined up perfectly and his line drive was caught. This was still a 0-0 ballgame. 

In the top of the seventh inning, the Sagehens finally were able to get to Berber. After giving the Poets a strong 6+ innings of work with 9 strikeouts, Berber passed the ball off to Barrett. Pomona was able to take advantage in this inning, scoring 2 runs (one unearned). 

The Poets were not able to answer back with their bats, as the Sagehens held on to win this game 2-0. This was only the 4th time all year the Poets have been shutout. James Stirton (Cerritos, Calif., Valley Christian HS) led the way for Whittier with 2 hits, in his final home game of his career. 

Whittier will have one final day of games tomorrow, as they travel to Pomona seeking revenge. The Poets will be taking on the Sagehens in a double-header, starting at 11:00. Their final game will begin at approximately 3:00, so make sure you stay tuned in.