The Whitman Missionaries went into spring break with high spirits, coming off of their first win of the season. They rode their momentum all the way to Portland, where they swept their double header with Lewis & Clark College on Saturday, March 13, with 7-5 and 9-5 victories. This completed the first three-game win streak, or any-game win streak in recent memory, and much to everyone’s surprise the Missionaries found themselves fourth in early conference standings. Unfortunately, the following day, the Pioneers shut down any hopes Whitman had for a full sweep, routing the Missionaries 12-5.
Junior Erik Korsmo was one of many heroes in Portland. In their opener against Lewis & Clark, Korsmo: after hitting a double to lead of a fifth inning that saw five Missionary runs: pitched the last two innings, not allowing a single hit and earning his first save after seven innings at catcher. In the second game of the double-header, Korsmo played outstandingly at catcher, but came through once again as closer. In the bottom of the ninth, he had a rocky start allowing three runs, but settled down. Despite the tying run on base, he managed to catch the Pioneers’ batter swinging, and recorded his second save of the day. In these outings first-year John Nortz and sophomore Eric Tolleson notched their first collegiate victories, respectively.
After increased effort as well as roster and coaching changes this year, the three wins offered reassurance to the team.
“More than anything, it was a feeling of relief [to win]. Last year, we were in such a terrible sense of despair. After losing so much, you just get used to it. For me, it was very relieving,” said Korsmo.
Whitman’s trip to Portland was the only high point of their spring break, as they finished by losing the next six games, three each to Linfield College and George Fox University dropping their season record to 3-20.
Despite the comforts of home, the Missionaries were not able to hold off Linfield March 20 and 21 as they were dominated by the visiting Wildcats 17-5 and 20-0 on Saturday and 17-1 on Sunday. And if that wasn’t demoralizing enough, the following weekend, Whitman solidified its place in the Northwest Conference cellar as they were swept by the George Fox Bruins in Newberg, Ore. On the Saturday, March 27, Whitman got whacked 21-3 and 23-2 losses. The team made it closer on Sunday, however the Missionary bats remained cold and the Bruins prevailed 13-4.
Despite however abhorrent trudging through a 2-7 spring break might have been, perhaps the worst news of the break was the loss of senior captain Brian Kitamura. Kitamura, who started 19 games this season has also been plagued with ankle injuries. During the closing game of their double-header against George Fox on Saturday, Kitamura tore his ACL and thus will be out for the remainder of the season. His presence will on both offense and defense will be missed, as he leads the team in on-base percentage at .451 and has a .964 fielding percentage.
“[Losing Kitamura] is a huge loss,” Korsmo said. “We’ll really miss his bat. He always gets on base, and in the outfield he hardly makes any errors. Beyond his playing, he’s a real presence. We’re gonna miss that, and for right now he’s taking more of a coaching role.”
Despite the loss of Kitamura the Missionaries must press on. The road ahead doesn’t get any easier, as Whitman will welcome the NWC-leading Pacific Lutheran University Lutes to Borleske Stadium this weekend for a three-game set. The two teams will kick things off Friday at noon.
