FOREST GROVE, Ore. – The Linfield Wildcats looked every bit like a top-10 Division III program on Saturday, beating the Pacific Boxers 15-2 and 5-3 at Sherman/Larkins Stadium.
Linfield, which clinched the NWC regular-season title with a sweep of the Boxers on Friday night, has earned the right to host the NWC Tournament, Friday-Sunday at Del Smith Stadium.
The wins completed a four-game sweep of Pacific and extended the NWC champion Wildcats' winning streak to eight games. Linfield (33-7, 25-3 NWC) outscored Pacific 46-6 over the four game series, hitting .421 to compared to the Boxers' .180. Linfield pitchers combined for 31 strikeouts over 25 innings. Linfield was a terror on the basepaths as well, stealing 14 bases in 15 attempts.
GAME 1: Linfield 15, Pacific 2
Linfield hitters feasted on Pacific pitchers, pounding 18 hits, including six doubles, two triples and five home runs.
Freshmen
Brynn Nelson and
Jacey Leyvas each smacked two home runs, while
Baily Paul added another for the Wildcats. Nelson drove home four runs.
Katie Phillips had four hits and score three runs, Paul totaled three hits, and Nelson, Leyvas,
Claire Seats,
Abi Proffitt and
Katrina Johns each contributed a pair of hits.
Tayah Kelley registered her 20th pitching victory of the season, striking out nine Boxers and walking two over six innings of work.
Cheyenne Datan closed out the game with a pair of strikeouts in the seventh inning.
GAME 2: Linfield 5, Pacific 3
Hailey Wadsworth (7-1) and
Tyler Warden combined to hold Pacific at bay, helping the Wildcats overcome an early 1-0 deficit. Wadsworth struck out six batters and walked two on her way to earn the victory. Warden came on in relief in the seventh inning.
At the plate, Paul led the way with three this. Phillips drilled a double and a triple to drive in a pair of runs, and Seats also picked up two RBIs.
NEXT
Linfield will host the three-day, four-team NWC Tournament starting Friday at Del Smith Stadium. Game times and ticket prices will be announced Monday. The tournament champion earns the conference's automatic berth to the NCAA Division III playoffs.
