NEWBERG, Ore. – The Linfield Wildcats needed some late-game magic but got the job done, winning 7-5 in the finale of a three-game Northwest Conference series with George Fox Sunday at Morse Athletic Field.
Linfield scored a pair of runs in both the third and sixth innings and took a comfortable three-run lead. That lead quickly vanished when George Fox scored a combined four straight runs in the seventh and eighth innings to go up 5-4.
The Bruins got the first out of the ninth inning but proceeded to walk back-to-back batters to put the go-ahead run on base for the Wildcats. Two batters later,
Jake Hoskins cleared the bases with a two-run double and then advanced to third on the throw. Hoskins crossed the plate immediately when
Bodey Smith drove him in with a single up the middle to give the 'Cats a 7-5 advantage.
Branden Pasion and
Cameron Skinner each collected two hits in the win. Both players had multi-hit performances in all three games of the series.
Jackson Horner went 1 for 1 with two walks and a hit by pitch and scored twice.
Tyler Marr and
Mason Masterson were responsible for the two RBI in the sixth inning.
Casey Struckmeier went five innings strong in his first collegiate start. He allowed just one run on four hits while striking out two.
Grant Knox earned his first win of the season in relief, pitching scoreless baseball to pick up the last four outs of the game.
NEXT
Linfield (4-5, 2-1 NWC) will host Corban in a non-conference game at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The 'Cats will welcome Pacific Lutheran to town for the second time this season when they host the Lutes in NWC play next weekend.
