WHITTIER, CA. (March 20, 2025)- The Whittier College Poets put on an offensive showcase at Hugh B. Mendez Stadium, securing an impressive 11-6 victory over Tufts University. With 16 hits on the day, Whittier's bats came alive early and never relented, led by a perfect 5-for-5 performance from Joe Plaskett (Fremont, Calif., Washington).

The Poets wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard. Sevon Battle (Las Vegas, Nev., Baker College) singled to right and quickly advanced to third on Matthew Mecate's (Highland, Calif., CSU Dominguez Hills) single. An error by the right fielder allowed Battle to score, giving Whittier an early 1-0 lead. Later in the inning, Plaskett singled through the left side, setting up Mecate to score on a wild pitch and extending the Poets' advantage to 2-0.

Tufts responded with a three-run frame, taking a 3-2 lead in the top of the second. However, Whittier quickly answered in the bottom half. Gama Martinez (Highland, Calif., Arrowhead Christian) singled up the middle, followed by Coehn Nakasone (Aiea, Hawaii, Mid-Pacific) reaching after being hit by a pitch. Mecate continued his hot start with an RBI single to bring in Martinez, tying the game at 3-3. Plaskett then delivered a clutch double to deep center, scoring Nakasone and putting Whittier back in front, 4-3.

The Poets' offense erupted for five runs in the third, seizing control of the game. Ian Watanabe (Lodi, Calif., Lodi) led off with a single, bringing Maximus Berber (Riverside, Calif., Ramona) to the plate. Berber launched a ball over the center field fence, to give the Poets a 6-3 lead. Andrew Griffin (Colton, Calif., San Bernardino Valley) then reached on a walk. Martinez followed with another base hit to put runners on first and second. Thomas Iten (Stockton, Calif., Lincoln) then used his speed to put pressure on the Jumbo defense and forced them to make a throwing error. After he beat out the grounder, the throw went into right field and Griffin came across to score while Martinez was on third and Iten on second. Moments later, Mecate was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Plaskett. Plaskett's second double of the game scored two runs for the Poets, giving Whittier a commanding 9-3 lead.

Tufts trimmed the deficit with two runs in the top half of the fourth, but the Poets' defense held strong to keep the lead at 9-5.

Whittier tacked on another run in the fifth, when Mecate doubled to center field to start things off. Plaskett then added to his totals for the day with a single through the left side to bring Mecate around to score. The Poets now led 10-5. 

Tufts managed to scratch across a run in the sixth, but Whittier stayed in control with a 10-6 lead.

Whittier added an issuance run in the bottom of the seventh when Battle singled and then stole second. Plaskett then put the final touch on his excellent day with another RBI single to right center field. This would be the final run of the game, as Whittier would secure the 11-6 victory. 


Key Performances:
Joe Plaskett: 5-for-5, 2  2Bs, 5 RBIs
Matthew Mecate: 3-for-4, 2 Runs, 1 2B, 1 RBI
Gama Martinez: 4-for-5, 2 Runs, 1 SB
Maximus Berber: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, 1 Run, 1 BB, 1 HR
Aaron Cazares: 4.2 IP, 3 Hits, 1 ER, 4 Ks (Win)

The Poets improved to 5-13 on the season with the win and will look to build momentum heading into a double-header against Tufts tomorrow. The first game of the day will begin at 11:00 AM. 

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