A six-run first inning proved to be the difference as the Seattle University baseball team was unable to mount a comeback and the Pacific Tigers went on to an 11-5 victory Thursday evening at Klein Family Field.
Pacific (5-3) scored six runs off SeattleU starter Blaine Jones (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) in the first inning, starting with a two-run triple by Brian Martin. Mike Walker followed with a double that scored two runs, and Ben Gorang ended the scoring with an RBI double of his own.
Seattle University broke through in the top of the third inning, as Mike Malland (Mukilteo, Wash.) tripled to left field and scored on a groundout by Doug Buser (Orinda, Calif.). Another Pacific triple, this one by Brett Christopher, in the bottom of the third inning scored the seventh Tiger run of the night.
In the fourth inning, Nate Roberts (Silverdale, Wash.) reached on a fielding error, advanced to second on a groundout, and scored when Josh Kalalau (University Place, Wash.) singled up the middle. However, Pacific again answered with a single run in the bottom of the inning on an RBI double by Allen Riley to maintain its six-run advantage.
Cullen Hendrickson (Auburn, Wash.) led off the sixth inning with his second home run of the season, but doubles by Walker and Matt Fuson kept the Redhawk deficit at six runs after six innings, 9-3. In the eighth inning, Hendrickson walked and Roberts doubled, followed by a walk to Riley Tompkins (Lynnwood, Wash.) in which ball four was a wild pitch that allowed Hendrickson to score. Roberts scored on a sacrifice fly by Kalalau to bring SeattleU within four, but Pacific scored twice in the bottom of the eighth to extend its lead back to six runs.
Jones (0-1) took the loss for SeattleU after pitching three innings, giving up eight hits, seven runs, and two walks while striking out four batters. Brandon Kizer (Marysville, Wash.) came on in relief, allowing eight hits, four runs, and two walks while striking out four Tigers, and Joey Pulitano (Lake Stevens, Wash.) allowed one hit in one inning of work.
For Pacific, Marcus Pointer (3-0) pitched the first seven innings, giving up five hits, a walk, and three runs while striking out six batters. After Jamie Niley allowed a hit and two walks without getting anyone out, Robbie Richardson pitched the final two innings, setting down six straight Redhawk hitters to close out the game.
Seattle University (1-6) will continue the series with Pacific Friday, March 5, beginning at 6 p.m., with single games also scheduled for Saturday, March 6, at 2 p.m., and Sunday, March 7, at 12 p.m. Live stats and live audio are available on Pacific's athletics website (www.pacifictigers.com).