Baseball
Seattle University Baseball took on the Lions of Loyola Marymount University for a three-game series April 10-13, sweeping the Lions after a 12-inning walk-off thriller to send LMU packing.
Reigning West Coast Conference (WCC) Pitcher of the Week Travis Farrell got it started in game one versus the Lions, picking up a quality start, going six innings and allowing just two earned runs. The Redhawks offense struck first during this matchup, putting up two runs in the fourth with a two-run shot from Redshirt Sophomore infielder Ryder Manale, his first collegiate home run. Seattle U went on to score runs in three of the last four innings, including the deciding run in the bottom of the eighth from Junior utility player Peyton Knowles. The Redhawks took home game one 5-4.
A dominant five-run second inning proved to be the difference maker in game two. Left-handed pitcher Kale Hammer got the start for Seattle U. The redshirt sophomore went six innings, picking up eight strikeouts, allowing just three earned runs. Manale and Knowles led the Redhawks offense once again, with both of them hitting solo home runs in the second. Manale tallied four RBI. Knowles picked up two RBI of his own, while Junior infielder Royce Hale and Junior outfielder Jake Beauchaine both picked up one RBI. Seattle U took game two 8-6.
The culmination of the series came Sunday where the Redhawks went head-to-head against the Lions for 12 innings, eventually coming out on top 7-6. Seattle U struck first with Senior first baseman Tyler Horner hitting a three-run shot, followed by an RBI single from Beauchaine, putting the Redhawks up 4-0 in the first inning. Seattle U let that lead slip away when the Lions tied it up in the fifth, eventually taking the lead in the seventh. The Redhawks tied it up again in the ninth, bringing it to extra innings. LMU took the lead once again in the top of the twelfth. Seattle U responded quickly in the bottom of the inning when Knowles tied the score with an RBI single, before Junior infielder Kenneth Rhein hit a ball off the handle of the bat that was misplayed by the LMU defense, bringing Freshman outfielder Cash Erdman around to score, completing the series sweep.
After the three-game set, the Redhawks now sit at 12-19 overall and 7-5 in conference play, putting them in fourth place in the WCC standings. The Redhawks will continue conference play this weekend, hitting the road to take on the University of San Diego April 17-19.
Softball
Seattle U Softball dropped two of three games in their three-game weekend series versus Saint Mary’s College, with scores of 0-2 and 1-2, respectively, picking up one win in game three, 8-0.
Freshman pitcher Kaia Galaviz earned WCC Pitcher of the Week after shutting out the Gaels in game three of the series. Galaviz pitched a total of eight innings in two appearances, two innings in game two and a complete game shutout in game 3. The freshman had a 0.00 ERA and an opponent batting average of .080 through her eight innings of work. She is the first pitcher to earn WCC Pitcher of the Week honors since the team’s debut in the conference.
The Redhawks only put up one run through the first two games. The only run came in game two, where graduate student utility player Jay Ross hit a double to left field, scoring Senior catcher and designated player Ava Sin.
Seattle U turned it around in game three, defeating the Lions in just six innings. Junior pitcher and designated player Avari Morris went three for three at the plate, extending her five-game hit streak. Sophomore outfielder Abbie Fales had two hits in this matchup, including a home run in the sixth. Junior catcher Karen Spadafora also blasted a two-run shot of her own in the first.
The Redhawks will stay at home this weekend to take on LMU April 17-19.
Mens Golf
Originally in 17th place out of the 19-team field at the end of round one, Seattle U Men’s Golf came back in the later rounds, finishing in sixth place at the UC Davis El Macero Classic April 10-12.
Sophomore Walker Lamb was the lowest scorer for the Redhawks during the three-day tournament. The sophomore shot a combined four over par, 220 (75, 74, 71), putting him at 16th place in the 100-person field, jumping up 20 spots at the end of the tournament.
Junior Kevin Li and Senior Ben Ragland both shot seven over par, 223, tying them at 30th place.
This tournament marked the end of the regular season for Seattle U. The Redhawks will head to their first WCC Championship in Fairfield, Calif. May 1-2.
Rowing
Seattle U Women’s Rowing took on Portland and Santa Clara University at the Portland Invite April 11.
The Redhawks’ first varsity eight improved by almost half a minute from their last race, boasting a 7:23.3 in the 2 km race putting them in fourth place. The team’s second varsity eight claimed a third-place finish, putting up a time of 7:36.8.
Rowing will head to Rancho Cordova, Calif. for a dual meet versus Santa Clara April 25, before coming back home May 2 for Opening Day on Lake Washington.
