WHITTIER, Calif. (Apr. 10, 2026) – Sophomore Mariah Rodriguez (Barstow, Calif. / Barstow) delivered a career performance at the plate, powering Whittier to a 12-4 victory over Pomona-Pitzer in the series opener on Friday afternoon at Palmer Field.
The game remained tightly contested through the early innings, with both teams trading runs to a 3-3 deadlock heading into the fifth. Pomona-Pitzer briefly took the lead in the top half of the frame, but Whittier responded emphatically.
The Poets erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the fifth, turning the game on its head. Maya Torres (Lakewood, Calif. / Artesia) got the rally started with an RBI single before Addison Sorto (Los Gatos, Calif. / Los Gatos) drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game. Laila Pulachet (Norwalk, Calif. / Bravo / Hawaii Pacific University) followed with a go-ahead RBI single, setting the stage for Rodriguez.
The sophomore catcher delivered the biggest swing of the day, launching a grand slam to left center to cap the inning and extend the Whittier lead to 10-4.
Rodriguez wasn't done.
She added an RBI single in the sixth to finish off a perfect 5-for-5 day at the plate, driving in six runs in the process. The performance marked her first career five-hit game and her third contest this season with six or more RBIs. With a double and a home run in the game, Rodriguez continues to lead the SCIAC in both categories, and is three doubles away from tying Purple & Gold Hall of Famer, Mary Pacheco.
Whittier's offense saw contributions up and down the lineup, as Daniella Contreras (Buena Park, Calif. / John F. Kennedy) scored twice and reached base three times, while Lana Escarcega (San Jose, Calif. / Valley Christian) and Torres each tallied multi-hit performances.
In the circle, senior Bella Peinado (Ventura, Calif. / Ventura) delivered another steady outing, tossing her sixth complete game of the season. The talented lefty allowed four runs while striking out four batters, marking just the fourth time in her career she has recorded four or more strikeouts in a game.
Head Coach Terry Schweikert and the Poets improve to 16-13 overall and 4-6 in SCIAC play. Whittier will travel to Claremont on Saturday to conclude the series with a doubleheader against the Sagehens, with first pitch set for 12 p.m.
Follow and show support for your Whittier Poets on Twitter (@WCPoets), YouTube and Instagram (@PoetAthletics)!
