McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Linfield extended its winning streak to eight after sweeping the doubleheader against Puget Sound on Saturday afternoon at Roy Helser Field. The 'Cats outdueled the Loggers 8-6 in game one before taking game two in 12 innings 6-4 with
Hunter Klingelhoffer hitting the walk-off home run which was his second on the day.
Nick Holm also hit two homers on the day and extended his Northwest Conference game-hitting streak to 10. Linfield tied its longest winning streak since 2018.
GAME 1: Linfield 8 - Puget Sound 6
Camden Oram (5-3) earned the win after pitching an even six innings and punching out five Puget Sound batters. Klingelhoffer and Holm each launched a home run.
Tyler Marr,
Jake Hoskins and Klingelhoffer totaled two hits apiece. Linfield edged Puget Sound (14-18, 6-10) in total hits 11-10.
Jack McCullar led the Loggers with three hits while Nathan Blocher totaled three RBIs. Blocher, McCullar and Brock Makishima each accounted for an extra-base hit with Blocher also hitting a solo home run. Davis Franklin (3-3) was given the loss after giving up five earned runs in three innings of work.
The Loggers scored at least one run in all but one of the first six innings. The Wildcats scored three runs in the first and third innings before plating two more in the bottom of the fourth.
Gavin Ludlow earned the save after pitching the final three innings in relief and only surrendering two hits.
GAME 2: Linfield 6 - Puget Sound 4 (12 innings)
The Wildcats used six arms over the 12 innings.
Declan Francis totaled five and one-third innings with six strikeouts as the Linfield starter.
Matthew Tacheny (2-0) earned the win after pitching the final inning and two thirds in relief.
Klingelhoffer and Holm each hit their second home runs and combined for five total hits. The Wildcats left 11 runners stranded on base.
Makana Murashige led the Loggers with three hits and four RBIs while Drew Kamihar came across to score twice. Puget Sound outhit Linfield 11-9. Ethan Rattie (1-2) was tagged with the loss.
Linfield and Puget Sound were locked at two apiece after three innings. Maris broke the tie with an RBI triple to score
Brett Joner.
Brian Mannion gave up two runs in the top of the ninth inning as the Loggers pulled ahead 4-3. Holm's home run in the bottom of the ninth tied the game back at four.
The two sides needed three more innings to break the tie with Klingelhoffer's moon shot over the left field fence being the difference.
ON DECK
The 'Cats (18-15, 11-8 NWC) are back in action on Sunday for the series finale against Puget Sound with game time scheduled for 12 p.m.
