SALEM, Ore. –
Chase Highberger's RBI single to score teammate
Danny Kahn was the difference in Linfield's 8-7 extra-innings win over Willamette on Sunday afternoon at Jerry Gatto Field.
Jacob Swenson hurled seven and two-thirds innings and tied a career-high with seven strikeouts.
The Wildcats compiled 15 hits compared to the Bearcats' 10. Linfield's 1-4 hitters did the bulk of the damage with
Hunter Klingelhoffer,
Matthew Lewis,
Tyler Marr and
Nick Holm tallying at least two hits apiece. Holm led the Wildcats with 3 RBIs while Klingelhoffer hit Linfield's only home run.
Gavin Ludlow (2-2) was credited with the win after pitching the final two innings in relief.
Drew Baskin paced Willamette (17-5, 10-5 NWC) at the plate with two home runs. Baskin and Clint Walker tied for the team lead with three RBIs. Brady Joyner (1-1) was tagged with the loss after pitching the final two frames in relief and giving up two runs.
Linfield held a slim 5-4 advantage after the first five innings. The Bearcats tied the contest at six off a Baskin two-run home run in the eighth inning. After a scoreless ninth inning, Holm opened the 10th with a single to left center to score Klingelhoffer. Willamette kept the game going with another score.
Kahn led off the 11th with a double to left center field before being brought in by Highberger. Ludlow's two quick outs were quickly followed by two Willamette base runners. With the winning run on, Ludlow struck out the final Bearcat batter to preserve the Wildcats' victory.
ON DECK
The Wildcats (9-13, 4-7 NWC) are on the field next for a non-conference road matchup against Bushnell. First pitch against the Beacons is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
