WHITTIER, CA. (April 26, 2025)- After a lengthy rain delay postponed the start of the doubleheader, the Whittier College Poets came out and secured their first SCIAC series sweep of the season over the Occidental Tigers. The bats were not as hot today for the Poets, but they got on the backs of the pitchers. The arms were lights out giving up a total of only 1 run on the day.

GAME 1: 

In a tightly contested matchup, the Whittier College baseball team secured a 2–1 victory over Occidental College in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader at Hugh B. Mendez Stadium. Strong pitching performances from Carlos Rodarte (Ontario, Calif., Chaffey) and Owen Moore (Austin, Texas, St Michael's Catholic Academy), combined with timely hitting, propelled the Poets to their 14th win of the season. 

The Poets struck early in the bottom of the first inning. Coehn Nakasone (Aiea, Hawaii, Mid-Pacific) reached base with a leadoff single and advanced to second on a single by Sevon Battle (Las Vegas, Nev., Baker College). Joe Plaskett (Fremont, Calif., Washington) then delivered an RBI single through the left side, bringing Nakasone home for a 1–0 lead.

The game remained a pitcher's duel through the middle innings. Moore kept the Tigers off the scoreboard for the first 5 innings, scattering three hits over five innings while striking out two. Occidental managed to tie the game in the top of the sixth, capitalizing on a Whittier error that allowed an unearned run to score.

Whittier responded in the bottom half of the inning. Maximus Berber (Riverside, Calif., Ramona) reached base with a walk and advanced to third on an error by the Tigers. Gama Martinez (Highland, Calif., Arrowhead Christian) then singled down the right-field line, driving in Berber to reclaim the lead at 2–1.

Rodarte entered in relief and shut down the Tigers over three innings, earning his third win of the season. Aaron Cazares (Eastvale, Calif., Norco) entered to record the final out to preserve the victory and earn his fourth save of the year.

Key Performances: 
Owen Moore: 5.1 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 K's
Carlos Rodarte: 3.1 IP, 1 HA, 0 R, WIN
Aaron Cazares: SAVE
Coehn Nakasone: 2-for-4, R
Joe Plaskett: 3-for-4, 2B, RBI
Gama Martinez: 1-for-3, Go-ahead RBI

GAME 2: 

With the Poets securing the series victory by winning the first 2 games, they now looked to their first conference sweep of the season in the second game of the day. Whittie capped off a dominant weekend with a 4–0 shutout victory over Occidental. With the win, the Poets secured a series sweep and improved their SCIAC record to 9–15. Andrew Berdelis (Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach) delivered a stellar performance on the mound, tossing a complete-game two-hitter to earn his second win of the season.

Whittier wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the first inning. Ty Aldridge (Hayward, Calif., Allegheny College) reached base on a walk and advanced to third on a bunt by Battle. But after a throwing error, the Poets had runners at second and third. Matthew Mecate (Highland, Calif., CSU Dominguez Hills) then delivered a deep SAC fly to center field that moved both runners up and put Whittier on the board. Plaskett followed with an RBI single to center, scoring Battle and giving the Poets an early 2–0 lead.

The game remained scoreless until the sixth inning when Whittier added two insurance runs. Plaskett continued his great weekend after he singled. An error then put another runner at first for the Poets, and then Alex Jasso (South Gate, Calif., Maywood Center for Enriched Studies) moved them both up with a SAC bunt. Jay Schulze (Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach) then delivered an RBI single to left-center, scoring Plaskett. Jackson Brummett (Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach) followed with a perfectly executed safety squeeze, bringing Joseph Leyva (Downey, Calif., La Harbor College), the pinch-runner, home and extending the lead to 4–0.

On the mound, Berdelis was in complete control throughout the game. He allowed just two hits over nine innings, striking out four. The right-hander faced only 29 batters, two over the minimum, and did not allow a runner past second base.

Key Performances: 
Andrew Berdelis: 9 IP, 0 R, 2 HA, 4 K
Ty Aldridge: 1-for-2, 2B, R, BB
Joe Plaskett: 3-for-4, R, RBI, SB
Jay Schulze: 1-for-3, RBI

It took until their final SCIAC series of the season, but Whittier earned their first conference sweep. Although their conference record was not what they wanted, the Poets fought hard against some of the best D3 teams in the nation. They will wrap up their 2025 season next weekend, as they will play host to the Pacific University Boxers. This series will take the format of a SCIAC series with the first game on Friday at 3:00, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 11. All these games will be played at home, so make sure to come out and support the Purple and Gold for one final series of the year. Saturday the Poets will also be celebrating their 11 graduating seniors. 

---

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