WHITTER, CA. (February 8, 2025)- The Whittier Poets continued their series against the Redlands Bulldogs, but unfortunately dropped both games in their home opener. In the first game, the Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead and the Poets were not able to fight their way back into this 8-2 defeat. The second game of the day was much closer, before Redlands carried a big ninth inning to a 12-5 victory.
Game 1:
The Bulldogs came out ready to fight in the first game of the day, scoring 8 runs in the first 2 innings. Before they could even respond the Poets found themselves in a big hole. Whittier had chances throughout the game, but could not seem to get the big hit at the right time and remained scoreless until the sixth inning.
In the bottom half of the sixth
Joe Plaskett (Fremont, Calif., Washington HS) continued his hot start, with a solo home run over the center field fence. This was his third big fly of the year and put the Poets on the board.
Still trailing 8-1, Whittier was able to scratch one more across the plate in the bottom half of the eighth inning. Plaskett started things off with a single, before
Joseph Leyva (Downey, Calif., Warren HS) replaced him on the bases.
Ian Watanabe (Lodi, Calif., Lodi HS) followed that up with a walk, to move the runner to second base.
Maximus Berber (Riverside, Calif., Ramona HS) then stepped up and laced a ball down the left field line that was able to bring the speedy Leyva across to score. This would be the final score of the game as Whittier would drop this game by a final score of 8-2.
After giving up 8 runs in the first 2 innings, the Poet pitchers were able to stabilize the Bulldog offense.
Marcos Armenta (Bellflower, Calif., Gahr HS),
Carlos Rodarte (Ontario, Calif., Chaffey HS), and
Julyan Rico (Bell, Calif., Compton College) combined for 7 scoreless innings, only giving up 4 hits. Whittier would look ahead to the second game of the day.
Game 2:
The third and deciding game of the series started out as a close one, before Redlands pulled away at the end.
Once again the Bulldogs were able to strike first in this game, but the Poets punched back. After giving up 1 in the top half of the inning,
Sevon Battle (Las Vegas, Nev., Baker College) and
Thomas Iten (Stockton, Calif., Lincoln HS) started things off with back-to-back singles.
Matthew Mecate (Highland, Calif., CSU Dominguez Hills) stepped up next and reached on an error, but also brought a run across for Whittier. Plaskett then continued to do what he has done all weekend and singled home a run for Whittier to give them the lead. The Poets were able to scratch one more across with an
Andrew Griffin (Colton, Calif., San Bernardino Valley) SAC fly, and carried a 3-1 lead into the second inning.
Redlands answered right back though, scoring 3 of their own in the top half of the third to give them a 4-3 lead over the Poets. The game would remain this way for the next 5 innings, as both teams' offenses were quieted.
Jackson Salinas (Oxnard, Calif., Oxnard College) came in out of the bullpen for the Poets and gave them a chance to get back into this game, pitching 4 innings only giving up 1 run on 1 hit. However, Redlands finally struck back in this game in the top of the ninth inning. The Bulldogs sent 11 hitters to the plate this inning, scoring 7 runs and breaking this game open. Down 9 runs, the Poets would have one more half to make a comeback. Plaskett would put one final touch on his spectacular weekend with a triple down the right field line that brought 2 runs into score. The final score of this game would be 12-5.
Even though they dropped their opening series against the Bulldogs, the Poets had many bright spots and a lot more games to look forward to. For the weekend Redlands was limited to 3 big innings, as the Poet bullpen had a lot of solid outings. The true shinning start of the weekend was Plaskett. The junior would finish the series going 9-14 with 3 home runs, 4 runs scored, 7 RBIs, a double, a triple, and no strikeouts.
Whittier will look forward to their busy week of games. Starting off with Tuesday's exhibition against Hope International University at Amerige Park at 6:00. They will then host Pacific Lutheran University on Thursday at 2:00. Before having a 3-game weekend series against Lewis and Clark College.
Follow and show support for your Whittier Poets on Twitter (@WCPoets), YouTube and Instagram (@PoetAthletics)!
