Northwest Nazarene University Athletics

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Nighthawks fell in the GNAC Championships against Western Washington. NNU was unable to overcome a fourth inning grand slam as they dropped an 11-2 decision in five innings.

The Nighthawks got off to strong start as Ava Clark walked to lead off the game and stole second. Emma Bumatay capitalized on the runner in scoring position with a single to right field, scoring Clark. The small lead didn't last long as the Vikings tied it up in the bottom of the first. 

With the score knotted up at one, NNU took the lead back in the second. After Lola Crosby reached on an error by the first baseman, she stole second and then took third on a Riglee Peterson single. With runners cornered, Peterson stole second to put two runners in scoring position for Annie Swanson. Swanson laid down a bunt and reached on the fielder's choice but Lola Crosby was out at home. With runners cornered again and the lineup turned over, Ava Clark delivered with a single up the middle to score Peterson. 

Miah Lusk and Alanna Wirtala pitched well for their respective teams, only allowing one base runner between the two of them. The bottom of the fourth is where WWU would take control with an RBI ground out for Traxler. Rath stepped up with bases loaded and sent a ball down the left field line that cleared the outfield fence for a grand slam, putting the Vikings up 6-2. 

After NNU was set down in order, Western Washington iced the game with five runs to run-rule the Nighthawks and force an elimination game for NNU.

Miah Lusk (L, 16-8) pitched 4.0 innings and gave up seven runs on four hits with seven strikeouts. Of Lusk's seven runs, only two were earned. Victoria Frias did not record an out while facing three batters, giving up a three runs, two hits, and a walk. Riley McGee pitched 0.1 inning, giving up one run and one hit. NNU was held in check with only three hits from Ava Clark, Emma Bumatay, and Riglee Peterson. Clark and Bumatay each had an RBI.

NNU will now face the top seeded Saint Martin's Saints in an elimination game tomorrow at 12:30 PM PT.  Read Full Article