REDLANDS, Calif. – Whitworth University opened a four-game series at the University of Redlands with a 23-8 win over the Bulldogs on Friday afternoon at The Yard.

Four players had at least three hits apiece for the Pirates (4-1).  Whitworth never trailed after jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first inning.  The Bucs had five consecutive hits in the inning, capped by Junior Garcia's two-run double. 

After Redlands (6-4) pulled within 6-3 through the third inning, Whitworth scored four in the top of the fourth to begin pulling away.  Two runs came home on a Bulldogs' throwing error, increasing the score to 10-3. 

The Pirates scored nine runs in the top of the fifth to completely break the game open.  Kevin Corder, who started the inning with a strikeout, came to bat later in the frame and delivered a bases-clearing triple.

The Pirates' second through fifth hitters in the order dominated at the plate.  Spencer Shipman went 3-5 with three runs scored, Carson Coffield went 3-5 with three RBIs, Caleb Gray finished 3-5 with two RBIs and three runs, while Ty Quiggle batted 3-5 with three RBIs and three runs. 

Whitworth drove Redlands starting pitcher Joe Godoy (1-2) from the game after he allowed 10 runs (eight earned) on nine hits and four walks in 3.2 innings.  Four players followed in relief for the Bulldogs.

Dylan Huntsman started on the hill for Whitworth, allowing five runs on six hits in 3.1 innings.  Connor Ashworth followed with one inning of relief before first-year Rylen Blair finished up the game with three innings on the hill, allowing two runs, to get the win in his Pirate debut.

The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday, beginning at 11:00 am, then finish the series with a single game on Sunday.