Pierce Splits Doubleheader at Tacoma with Extra Innings Heartbreaker

Pierce College battled through a competitive twin bill at Tacoma on Thursday, April 2, earning a 7-5 victory in game one before dropping a tough 8-7 decision in 10 innings in game two.

Game 1: Pierce 7, Tacoma 5

Pierce wasted no time setting the tone offensively, plating three runs in the first inning to jump out to an early lead. Nariyuki Dumlao sparked the rally, and Jackson Copeland delivered the big swing with a two-RBI single to make it 3-0.

The Raiders continued to apply pressure throughout the early innings. Kai Halstead drove in two runs on the day, including an RBI single in the second, while Bradley Carl and Izaiah Koko each contributed RBI efforts to extend the lead to 7-4 by the seventh inning.

Copeland led the offense, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored, while Jeb English added two hits and a run. Pierce finished with 10 hits and showed patience at the plate, drawing four walks.

On the mound, Vayden Lawrence earned the win, going 6.1 innings while allowing five runs (four earned) and striking out five. Michael LeJeune was dominant in relief, shutting the door over the final 2.2 innings with five strikeouts and allowing just one hit to secure the 7-5 victory.

Game 2: Tacoma 8, Pierce 7 (10 innings)

Game two turned into a back-and-forth battle that ultimately ended in heartbreak for Pierce.

The Raiders chipped away early, tying the game in the third inning behind a sacrifice fly from Tristan Ringrose and an RBI single from Halstead. Pierce continued to grind offensively, with Copeland delivering again, finishing a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBIs, including a go-ahead double in the sixth inning.

Halstead had a standout performance, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored, while Christian Dominno added a hit and scored a key run late.

Pierce appeared to seize control late in the game. After taking a 5-3 lead in the ninth, the Raiders added two more runs in the 10th on a wild pitch and a passed ball, entering the bottom half with a 7-5 advantage.

However, Tacoma responded with a dramatic rally. A two-run home run tied the game before a walk-off RBI single completed the comeback, handing Pierce a tough 8-7 loss.