McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Linfield rallied late, but fell short of claiming its Northwest Conference baseball series with George Fox. On a clear, cold night at Roy Helser Field, the Bruins hung on to defeat Linfield 4-3, taking the series two games to one despite another impressive start by 'Cats left-handed pitcher Carter Buuck.
 
How it played out
Taking the lead in the top of the third inning, the Bruins scored on a bases-loaded double play spun by Joey Cassano and Brady Rediger in the middle.
 
George Fox added a run to its lead in the sixth when Sam Swenson homered over the wall in left. The solo shot pushed the Bruins in front 2-0.
 
In the bottom of the frame, Linfield tied it up thanks to a Bruins error. With two runners in scoring position, Alex Jondal fired to third base in an attempt to pick off Daniel Zavala. The ball skipped off the glove of Jerred Seamons and rolled down the line. Zavala and Ryan Ross scored on the play to even the score at 2-2.
 
George Fox took the lead late in the eighth when Kyle Brudwick laced a two-out, RBI single just over Cassano's glove at shortstop and into left field. Jantzen Tamanaha scored from second to put the Bruins back in front.
 
In the ninth, George Fox pushed one more run across when Marc Audet crushed a solo homer to left.
 
Linfield attempted to rally in the bottom of the ninth. Levi Horner-Villa swatted a one-run home run that drew the 'Cats within one run, 4-3. Rediger ripped a hard-hit grounder to the left side that was picked up by Marc Audet and fired across the infield for the final out.
 
Linfield in the box
The Wildcats collected seven hits. Cameron Fox was the only Linfield hitter with multiple hits (2 for 3). Ross and Zavala scored runs and both had one hit apiece. Horner-Villa's ninth inning pinch-hit smash was his first of the season.
 
Wildcat arms
Buuck (2-1) got the starting nod and produced another quality start for the 'Cats. The senior lefty lasted into the eighth inning before departing with six strikeouts. He gave up five hits, walked two and allowed one earned run. Taylor Boos entered in the middle of the eighth. He threw 2/3 innings and allowed one run on two hits. Dylan Peters threw a clean-slate ninth inning.
 
Bruins at the plate
George Fox strung together eight hits. Solo home runs by Swenson and Audet headlined the Bruins lineup. Brudwick went 3 for 4 with an RBI. Alex Baek hit 2 for 4 and was the only other Bruin with multiple hits.
 
George Fox on the mound
In seven innings of work, Jondal (2-0) allowed six hits and struck out five. He did not surrender a run but his error in the sixth cost the Bruins their two-run lead. After Jondal, Matt Voelzke moved from his shortstop position to the mound. He threw the final two innings where he allowed one run on one hit from Horner-Villa.
 
Next
Linfield opens the month of March on the road in Tacoma against the Pacific Lutheran Lutes. The 'Cats play a three-game weekend series that features a Saturday doubleheader followed by a single game on Sunday. Action starts both days at noon.