By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University rallied from a 6-4 deficit with seven runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, as the Bearcats defeated Whitworth University, 11-6, on Sunday, March 29 in the completion of a game suspended on Saturday. The Bearcats also defeated Whitworth, 4-3 and 7-1 in the two games originally scheduled for Sunday.

In the first game, Willamette scored seven runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to erase a 6-4 deficit. David Tufo tied the game with a two-run single and Mitchell Rowan provided the big hit of the inning with a grand slam to right field. Reliever Colin Clark threw 5 1/3 solid innings to earn the win. The game was suspended on Saturday due to rain with Whitworth leading 5-2 in the top of the third inning.

In the second game, Kyle Stalker hit a two-run homer in the third running for a 3-0 lead. After Whitworth tied the game in the top of the fourth, the Bearcats moved back in front in the bottom of the fourth. Michael Dearborn tallied the go-ahead run. Starter Devin Grindy recorded the pitching victory. Jack McGee earned a save by throwing the final 1 1/3 innings.

Willamette received a two-run homer from Clark in the fourth inning of the final game to take a 2-0 lead. The Bearcats added five runs in the fifth inning to extend the lead to 7-0. Blake Paisley threw six scoreless innings to earn the win. He allowed six hits.

An extended story will be posted later.