SPOKANE, WASH – The Pirates defeated Lewis & Clark 8-2 in a Northwest Conference series game on Sunday at Huston Sports Complex, avoiding the weekend sweep. 

The Bucs (21-11, 9-9 NWC) have won Sunday series finales the last two weekends to avoid a sweep, and today's win keeps them a game in front of the Pioneers (17-16-1, 8-10 NWC) in the conference standings.  

Whitworth's offense rallied for eight runs in part of a 12-hit performance to outrun the Pioneers including a two-RBI double from Kevin Corder in the top of the second, to put Whitworth out in front early.  

The Pirates were able to capitalize on an L&C error to pick up two more runs in the third inning. Elijah Tanner's double to right center in the fourth inning was enough to score Austin Paul from second base, extending Whitworth's lead to five 5-0. 

Lewis & Clark's Jakob Ghammachi blasted his third home run of the series in the bottom of the fourth to get the Pioneers on the board, 5-1. Michael Aikawa's RBI ground out had the Pioneers trailing by just three runs after the bottom of the sixth inning.  

Whitworth's offense wanted insurance runs, and they got it when Spencer Shipman doubled to left to score one; Shipman was brought into score in the following at bat with Aidan Morrison's RBI single. 

Aaron Clogston's RBI single gave Whitworth its eighth and final run as they won the finale 8-2. 

Quentin O'Connor pitched six innings on two runs and five hits as the Bucs' starting pitcher. Hunter Williams was used in three innings of relief, where he did not allow a run or a hit while fanning four batters.   

Pioneers' starter Caden Hodina, gave up three earned runs on six hits in the first 3.2 innings. In relief, Luke Ritter allowed two runs and four hits in 4.1 innings. Tyler Shimabukuro pitched the final inning on one run and two hits. 

Whitworth will return home to face off against Linfield University next weekend in a Northwest Conference series at Paul Merkel Field. The first pitch of Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled for noon.