McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Willamette secured a major upset of Northwest Conference powerhouse Linfield, surprising the fifth-ranked Wildcats 7-6 in the opening game of a doubleheader Friday afternoon at Del Smith Stadium. Linfield responded with a 9-1 rout of Willamette in Game 2, piling up 13 hits and getting a two-hit pitching performance from sophomore sensation Tayah Kelley.
 
The twinbill split caused Linfield (29-5, 18-4 NWC) to slip out of a tie for first place in the NWC. The Wildcats now trail George Fox by a half game in the standings. The Wildcats and Bruins meet next weekend for a four-game series that will likely determine the regular-season champion.
 
With the win in Game 1, Willamette (4-24, 3-19 NWC) put an end to a season-high 15-game losing streak. The Bearcats defeated the Wildcats for the first time since 2015, ending a 14-game series losing trend.
 
GAME 1: Willamette 7, Linfield 6
Wildcats starter Maddy Podnar yielded seven hits to the Bearcats over the first three innings, as the Wildcats quickly found themselves mired in a five-run deficit, trailing 6-1.
 
In the sixth, Linfield put together a spirited rally. Baily Paul doubled to third base, and Katrina Johns followed with a triple to right field that scored Paul. Kamryn Mobley then delivered a two-run homer, her first as a collegian, to pull Linfield to within two runs, 6-4.
 
In the top of the seventh inning, pinch hitter Marley Nicassio came through with a clutch single, her first hit of the season, scoring Majors and pushing the Bearcats in front 7-4.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, Linfield pinch hitter Jenny Ball doubled to center field and Kelsey Wilkinson beat out a throw to first base to put two runners on with no outs. Katie Phillips then singled to load the bases.
 
Paul was called out on a fielder's choice, but the play allowed two runs to score, pulling Linfield within one. Katrina Johns popped out into the glove of left fielder Sophia Lucio.
 
Willamette outhit Linfield 10-8. The Wildcats also were charged with three errors. Shaye Mott (2-14) earned the pitching victory in the circle, tossing a complete-game eight-hitter.
 
Podnar was saddled with the loss, falling to 12-3. Jordan Bennett pitched the game's final 4 1/3 innings for the 'Cats, scattering three hits and giving up one walk. The two Linfield pitchers combined for five strikeouts.
 
GAME 2: Linfield 9, Willamette 1, 5 innings
Kelsey Wilkinson, Katie Phillips, Katrina Johns and Abi Proffitt all recorded two hits in the nightcap as the Wildcats pounded 13 hits in the game, shortened to five innings by the eight-run rule.
 
Tayah Kelley fanned six Bearcats while giving up just two hits. The sophomore righthander improved her season record to 13-2.
 
The Bearcats plated an unearned run in the opening frame when leadoff hitter Mia Lund reached home on an error.
 
In the second, Linfield loaded the bases with one out, setting the table for a two RBI double by Wilkinson, her 11th two-bagger of the season. Minutes later, Phillips delivered a sacrifice RBI to left field, pushing the Wildcats in front, 3-1.
 
After drilled a home run over the left-center field wall in the third, Linfield stretched its advantage to 8-1 in the bottom of the fourth, driving in four runs on five hits and capitalizing on two Bearcat errors.
 
The clincher came in the bottom of the fifth. Freshman Jenny Ball drilled a walk-off single, scoring Kamryn Apling to end the game.
 
AHEAD: The Wildcats and Bearcats meet Saturday at Del Smith Stadium at noon to complete their four-game series.