After being named the number one ranked team in the initial NWAC Coaches’ Poll, the Bellevue College Bulldogs dropped three games over Easter weekend.
On Friday March 25, Bellevue took on Tacoma, who were the pre-season number one ranked team in the NWAC. The showdown got off to an electric start, as Bellevue’s Joe Wainhouse hit a towering three-run home run to put Bellevue up 4-0. The Bulldogs lost and 8-6 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning by giving up 8 runs which deflated the ‘dogs in the 14-8 loss. The offensive spree by both teams resulted in 22 runs and 26 hits. Wainhouse had a second home run in the game and ended the day with a mammoth 6 RBI’s to lead Bellevue.
The Bulldogs then were transformed from a hitting machine to a hitless wonder as Chemeketa’s ace pitcher, Carson Dwyre, who sported a 0.75 ERA, tossed a no-hitter through six innings before finally allowing a hit by BC’s Zach Usselman. The single was Bellevue’s only hit in the game. The Bulldogs had their chance to tie the game in the 8th inning. With runners at the corners with two outs, Bellevue’s Austin Pinorini attempted to score from third base on a passed ball but was thrown out to end the threat. The Bulldogs ended up on the losing end 2-1 despite a brilliant pitching effort by BC’s Drew Lomsdalen.
On Saturday March 26 Bellevue faced off with Chemeketa again but came up on the winning side this time with a 5-3 win. Dominic DeMiero scattered only four hits while walking only two and striking out seven in seven innings of work for the win. Travis Ulvestad recorded the save. Jordan LaFave went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI’s to lead Bellevue’s offense.
In Saturday’s second game, Bellevue had a 6-1 lead over Pierce before dropping the game 8-7 in extra innings. With the game tied at 7 after regulation, the umpire in chief requested the game to end as a tie due to darkness as the umpire and both catchers had difficulty seeing the ball. It was decided to play one more inning before ending it officially. The one extra inning and darkness proved to be costly for Bellevue, as Wainhouse, who came in relief earlier in the game and had a fast ball clocked at 95 mph, threw a wild pitch in the bottom of the 10th which catcher Shane Stober could not see, allowing the winning run to score for Pierce.
Even with the rough 1-3 weekend, the Bulldogs ended the pre-season with one of the top overall records at 13-5 as league play begins in the NWAC this week. The Bulldogs will take on Olympic College for a 4-game series this weekend to open up North Region play. Bellevue will host the Rangers on Saturday April 2 for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader at Courter Field before traveling to the Olympic Peninsula for a 1:00 twin bill on Sunday April 3 at Legion Field in Bremerton. Live stats can be seen here at nwacsports.org.
Last Updated May 20, 2016
