WALLA WALLA, WA – The Principia baseball team traveled to the Pacific Northwest this weekend for a four-game series at Whitman College. Despite early offensive sparks, the Panthers couldn't hold off Whitman's high-powered offense.
This series was a special one for Rat Mean and Kailis Mayo, both Washington natives, who had the opportunity to play in front of family and friends. Mayo delivered a standout performance at the plate in game two, while Mean provided key at-bats throughout the series.
Game 1: Whitman 21, Principia 4
The Panthers got on the board in the fourth inning when Tyler Gingras and Kailis Mayo reached base ahead of Skyler Stock, who crushed a three-run homer to left for his fourth long ball of the season. Dean Wood singled and stole second in the fifth, setting up Josh Dement for an RBI single. Micah Cook started on the mound and received the loss. Five different Panthers collected hits in the opener.
Game 2: Whitman 8, Principia 5
Koye Calzada made his first career start, tossing five innings while allowing five earned runs and striking out three. He settled in nicely after the first. Nick Dolci followed with three strong innings in relief, giving up just two runs.
Principia jumped out to an early lead, with Dement drawing a walk, Gingras singling, and Mayo driving in a run. After Whitman responded with a four-run first inning, the Panthers tied the game in the second when Andrew Carpenter and Cooper Martinez walked, Wood bunted for a single, and Mayo cleared the bases with a double to center. Mayo finished with three hits, leading the offense.
Game 3: Whitman 16, Principia 2
Logan Cadey took the ball for game three, throwing three innings before handing it off to Ethan Booth, who pitched four innings in relief. Ryan Kremer finished the game throwing the eighth.
The Panthers recorded six hits, with Braxton Ramsey leading the team with two. Dement and Justice Fortson each picked up RBIs, but Whitman's bats proved difficult to contain.
Game 4: Whitman 23, Principia 10
The Panthers came out swinging in the series finale as Justice Fortson hit a big grand slam in the first inning for his second home run of the season. Gingras and Ramsey singled, and Drake Stilwell drew a walk, setting up Fortson's clutch drive over the left field wall.
Cole Christensen started on the mound, and Salvador Flores and Casey Golbiw combined for relief work. The Panthers' offense showed promise, recording six hits, but Whitman responded quickly and took control after the early deficit.
Looking Ahead: The Panthers, now 2-8 on the season, will look to rebound as they travel to Earlham College for a doubleheader next Saturday at 12:00 pm ET. With the bats heating up and young players gaining experience, the team will aim to get back in the win column.
