Lutes split with Loggers

Lutes end season with high hopes for next year

Tyler Scott - scotttj@plu.edu

Mast Sports Reporter

Smith

Last weekend, the Pacific Lutheran baseball team took the field for the final time in 2008. For four seniors, it was the final time in their PLU careers.
The Lutes split a pair of doubleheaders against cross- town rival UPS, finishing the season in third place in the Northwest Conference with a 21-11 record, 24-14-2 overall. The 24-14-2 record ranks as fourth best in PLU history.

Saturday’s opener featured another outstanding pitching performance by sophomore Robert Bleecker, who pitched seven innings and gave up only four hits and one earned run. The Lutes scored eight runs on 11 hits. Three Lutes had multiple hits in the 8-3 win, with junior Matt Akridge and junior Geoff Gabler each hitting home runs.

The nightcap endured some sloppy pitching and defense by both teams, as the Loggers took an 18-8 lead into the ninth and barely held on for the 18-16 victory. Five pitchers took the mound for PLU in the game, with every one of them giving up at least one run to UPS.

In Sunday’s opener, the Loggers used a five-run fourth inning totake a three-run lead at 8-5. The Lutes answered with a run in the fifth and two more in the seventh inning, but UPS’s Gregorio Beck hit a walk- off home run with two outs in the bottom of the frame to take the 9-8 victory.

Pacific Lutheran’s pitching woes ended in the final game of the season, when Trey Watt took the mound and pitched all seven innings, allowing nine hits and five earned runs. The Lute offense scored 11 runs on 17 hits to earn the 11-5 victory and a series split.

Pacific Lutheran entered the 2008 season as defending Northwest Conference champion, and after losing a large number of starters from last year’s team, a young PLU team began the season amidst countless expectations. After struggling with inconsistency at the plate and on defense early in the season, the Lutes finished strong with 10 wins in their final 12 games.

“I think we had a very good year,” Loomis said. “It was a great learning experience for our players, having a target on them all season. We are very encouraged by the growth of our underclassmen and are excited about the future.”

Loomis is quick to point out that the players rallied around this year’s senior class, aiming to send them out as the winningest class in PLU history. He also finds great encouragement for the future in the fact that only three of the team’s 14 losses this season were by more than two runs.
The four seniors on this year’s team are all pitchers, and the weekend series served as the final time Brunner, Ellison, senior Matt Keller and senior Jeff Danforth will compete in a PLU uniform. Ellison reflected fondly on his time playing for the Lutes, thinking about how he wants to be remembered and what the future has in store for both him and PLU baseball.

“I want to be remembered as a pitcher who was never afraid to challenge any batter in any situation, but more importantly, as a member of a very successful PLU baseball program,” Ellison said.

Both Loomis and Ellison expressed excitement for next season’s Lutes. Unlike last season, when the Lutes lost their ace starter and seven position starters, the core of this team will return in 2009.

Photo by Isaac Van Mechelen

The Lutes have a conference with senior pitcher Brett Bruner on the mound during a game this season. Brunner is one of only four seniors graduating from the team this season.