TACOMA, Washington – Shane Himeda hit a walk-off single the bottom of the ninth inning to seal a Northwest Conference series win for the Puget Sound baseball team over Pacific Saturday afternoon. The Loggers won the first game of the doubleheader, 3-2, but lost the second game, 5-3 (6 inn.).
 
Puget Sound 3, Pacific 2
Owen Shellhammer was stellar once again, striking out eight and allowing only two earned runs in six innings of work. However, it was the first time in four starts that he did not earn the win.
 
The Loggers and Boxers entered the ninth inning tied up, 2-2. Tyler Beckley was working his third inning of relief, and he sat Pacific down in order in the top of the ninth.
 
Cody Hirano led off the bottom of the ninth with a single up the middle, and he moved into scoring position when Kyle Strash was hit by a pitch. It appeared Dylan Joyce was going to provide the heroic hit with a scorching line drive, but Pacific's shortstop made a great leaping grab.
 
But Himeda would not be denied. He delivered a single that allowed Hirano to score the game-winning run.
 
Puget Sound 3, Pacific 5 (6 inn.)
In a game that was shortened due to rain, Himeda stayed hot by driving in two runs. The Boxers held a 5-1 lead on four unearned runs entering the bottom of the fifth inning.
 
Jackson Bolitho hit a one-out infield single, and Strash was hit by a pitch (again). Dylan Joyce was walked to load the bases, and Himeda delivered a two-run single back up the middle. However, mother nature cut a comeback bid short.
 
Davis Miller threw all six innings for the Loggers, allowing just one earned run on five hits.
 
The Loggers are on the road next at Willamette, March 5-6.