WALLA WALLA, Wash. - Linfield exploded for 29 runs in the opening game and staved off a late comeback in the second game to sweep Friday's doubleheader against Whitman at Borleske Stadium. The Wildcats tied the program record for runs in a single game, matching their 2006 output—also against the Blues—with a 29-10 victory in game one before completing the sweep with a 7-6 win in game two.
With the sweep, Linfield improved to 18-13 overall and 9-8 in Northwest Conference play heading into Saturday's series finale.
Game 1: Linfield 29, Whitman 10
The Wildcats put on an offensive masterclass in the opener, scoring in seven of nine innings and racking up 22 hits and 29 runs.
Right fielder
Trent Wainfeld led the charge with a career day, going 5-for-5 with two doubles, a grand slam, six RBI and six runs scored.
Luke Porter also delivered a big blow with a three-run homer in the third, part of a four RBI game.
Tyler Marr added four hits and four RBI, while
Nick Holm went 3-for-7 with three runs scored and three driven in.
Linfield broke the game open early, plating six in the second and three more in the third. After Whitman trimmed the deficit to 12-3, the Wildcats responded with a seven-run sixth inning that included a grand slam by Wainfeld. They continued to pour it on late, tacking on five more runs in the ninth to match the school record for runs in a game.
On the mound,
Camden Oram started and battled through five innings for the win. Though charged with seven runs, only five were earned, and he struck out two. The bullpen held firm from there, with
Brian Mannion and
Jackson Koons combining to close it out.
Game 2: Linfield 7, Whitman 6
After matching a program record for runs, Linfield proved it could win with grit and execution. The Wildcats used scoring contributions in six separate innings and a strong outing from sophomore starter
Jake Swenson to hold off Whitman 7-6 in Friday night's second half of a doubleheader at Borleske Stadium.
The Wildcats jumped ahead with two runs in the top of the first and tacked on single runs in five of the next eight innings, using a mix of patience and power to keep the Blues chasing. Swenson (5-3) set the tone on the mound, striking out nine over seven innings while allowing just two earned runs on five hits and four walks.
Designated hitter
Luke Porter gave Linfield its first lead with a two-RBI single in the first. Porter finished 1-for-3 with a walk and two RBI.
Josh Mansur added a solo home run in the sixth, part of a 2-for-4 night with two RBI and a hit-by-pitch.
Swenson handed a 6-2 lead over to the bullpen after seven innings, but Whitman didn't go quietly. Reliever
Colton Ouellette was tagged for four runs—three in the ninth—on four hits, including a home run and a triple, plus two hit batters.
With the tying run at the plate,
Zack Hampson entered and delivered under pressure. The sophomore right-hander struck out the final batter to earn his second save of the season, sealing the win with a runner on base.
NEXT
Linfield looks to sweep the series in the finale on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. as the end of the regular season comes closer.
