PENDLETON, OR - Clark College showed flashes of offensive firepower but couldn't overcome defensive miscues and big innings from Blue Mountain, falling 7–2 and 14–6 in a doubleheader on April 10 in Pendleton, Oregon.
The opener began with promise for Clark, which struck quickly in the first inning. With two runners on, Dajah Paz delivered a clutch two-run double to score Jessica Tomberlin and Rylee Purdom, giving Clark an early 2–0 advantage.
Blue Mountain answered immediately, tying the game in the bottom half before taking control in the second inning with two unearned runs. The game broke open in the fourth, when Blue Mountain used aggressive baserunning and timely hitting—including a two-run double—to extend the lead to 7–2.
Clark collected seven hits in Game 1, with multi-hit performances from Delaney Bollman and Purdom, but struggled to capitalize on opportunities, stranding seven runners. Bollman provided a steady effort in relief, allowing just one earned run over 5.2 innings, but defensive errors proved costly in key moments.
Game 2 followed a similar pattern—early competitiveness overshadowed by big innings from the home team. After falling behind 2–0, Clark responded in the second inning when Mylee Burrows delivered a two-run single to tie the game.
The Penguins surged ahead in the third inning with their biggest swing of the day. Paz launched a three-run home run to give Clark a 5–4 lead, capping a strong performance in which she drove in three runs.
But once again, Blue Mountain responded immediately. A four-run third inning—fueled in part by defensive miscues—shifted momentum back to the home side. The fourth inning put the game out of reach, as Blue Mountain erupted for six runs, including three home runs, to build a commanding lead.
Clark continued to battle offensively, finishing with eight hits in Game 2. Burrows went a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs, while Purdom added a solo home run in the fifth.
Across the doubleheader, Clark showed its ability to generate offense, recording 15 hits and multiple extra-base hits, including home runs from Paz and Purdom. However, eight total errors and an inability to contain Blue Mountain's offense proved to be the difference.
Despite the sweep, Clark demonstrated resilience and offensive potential. Cleaning up defensive execution and limiting big innings will be key as the team looks to bounce back in its next outing.
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