FOREST GROVE, Ore. - The Linfield Wildcats dropped the final game of their three-game series against Pacific on Monday afternoon, falling 5-2 at Chuck Bafaro Stadium. Despite a late rally in the ninth inning, the Wildcats couldn't overcome an early deficit, as Pacific's pitching and offensive firepower proved too much to overcome.
Linfield's offense struggled for most of the game, managing just five hits on the game and four against Pacific starter Nicholas Saelens, who pitched 8.1 strong innings, allowing two runs and striking out five. The Wildcats finally broke through in the ninth inning when
Hunter Klingelhoffer singled and later scored on an RBI groundout by
Nick Holm.
Elijah Maris, who had advanced to second on the play, scored on a clutch single by
Tyler Marr, cutting the deficit to 5-2. However, Pacific reliever Hunter Edwards shut the door, securing the win for the Boxers.
The Wildcats' pitching staff kept the game within reach early, but Pacific capitalized on key opportunities down the stretch. Starter
Jake Swenson took the loss despite a solid outing, allowing three runs on three hits over six innings while striking out six Boxers. Swenson worked out of several jams, but Pacific struck first in the opening inning when Davis Koester drove in Javin Hamura with a groundout.
Pacific extended its lead in the second inning, scoring two runs on a hit-by-pitch and an RBI groundout by Hamura. The Boxers added two more runs in the seventh inning, taking advantage of a hit-by-pitch and a wild pitch to push the lead to 5-0.
Linfield's offense was quiet until the ninth inning, but with too much ground to make up, Linfield's comeback fell short. The Wildcats left five runners on base and struggled to string together hits against Saelens, who kept Linfield's hitters off balance for most of the game.
NEXT
The Wildcats will look to regroup as they prepare for their next series against Willamette this weekend with a doubleheader at Roy Helser field on Saturday and the series finale on Sunday.
