Feb. 23, 2007

Lutes Whip Concordia, Improve to 2-0 in Oregon Tournament

Game Line Score

Joe DiPietro - improves record to 2-1

Ryan Thorne - three hits

McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Pacific Lutheran improved to 2-0 in the Yamhill County Spring Classic by routing Concordia University of Portland, 11-1, on a cold Friday afternoon and early evening at Linfield College’s Helser Field.

The Lutes, who earlier in the day rallied for an 18-16 win over University of British Columbia in Newberg, Ore., improve to 6-3 for the season while Concordia falls to 1-4.

Pacific Lutheran scored a run in the first inning on a bases loaded walk and added three in the third inning, highlighted by run-scoring double by Justin Whitehall. Three of the Lutes’ first four runs came on Concordia wildness – two bases loaded walks and a bases loaded hit by pitch. The Lutes took a 6-0 lead in the fourth inning on a throwing error and a run-scoring single by Logan Andrews.

While the Lutes were building a lead, starting pitcher Joe DiPietro was cruising through the Cavaliers’ order. He ended up allowing one run on seven hits while walking one and striking out two to improve his pitching record to 2-1. Trey Watt worked the final three innings to earn his first save. He allowed four hits while walking one and striking out one.

The Lutes closed out the scoring with single runs in the sixth and seventh innings before putting up three runs in the eighth inning.

Ryan Thorne led PLU’s 11-hit attack with three base hits, while Roger Guzman and Whitehall both collected a pair of hits. Andrews, Jared Simon and Craig Weber all drove in two runs for the Lutes.

Pacific Lutheran returns to tournament action at noon on Saturday, weather permitting, when they face the Corban Warriors at Helser Field. The tournament concludes on Sunday.

- PLU -