TACOMA, Wash. –
Jake Swenson delivered a masterful performance in the opener of Saturday's doubleheader, striking out a program-record 17 batters to lead Linfield to a 6-0 shutout victory over Pacific Lutheran at PLU Field. However, the Wildcats couldn't carry the momentum into Game 2, falling 7-6 and ultimately losing the Northwest Conference series after Friday's defeat.
GAME 1: Linfield 6, Pacific Lutheran 0
Swenson was untouchable from start to finish, allowing just two hits and no walks while facing only 31 batters. He struck out at least one Lute in every inning but one, throwing 110 total pitches. The shutout win was Linfield's first of the conference season and served as a strong response after Friday's series-opening loss.
The offense gave Swenson early support and never looked back. Shortstop
Elijah Maris powered the attack with two solo home runs and a double, going 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Left fielder Hunter Klingelhofer added to the power surge with a solo shot of his own, part of a 2-for-4 effort.
Nick Holm tallied two hits and drove in a run, while
Josh Mansur tripled and scored.
Wyatt McClory added a sacrifice fly, and
Tyler Marr tallied one hit. Linfield totaled 11 hits and played error-free defense to secure the shutout win.
GAME 2: Pacific Lutheran 7, Linfield 6
In the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, Linfield came up just short in a back-and-forth 7-6 loss to Pacific Lutheran, capping a tough weekend that saw the Wildcats drop the series despite the historic effort in the first game of the doubleheader.
The Wildcats took a 6-5 lead after a four-run seventh inning, but the Lutes responded with a decisive rally and held Linfield scoreless over the final two frames to seal the win.
Luke Porter led the offense, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and three runs scored from the DH spot. Wainfeld collected two hits and a walk, and McClory delivered a key two-run single to highlight Linfield's seventh-inning surge. Maris added another extra-base hit with a double, and
Matthew Lewis and Mansur each drove in a run.
On the mound, junior
Zach Johnson started and struck out eight across five innings but surrendered five earned runs on five hits and three walks. The bullpen was unable to preserve the lead, and a late defensive miscue contributed to the Lutes' comeback.
Despite splitting Saturday's doubleheader, Linfield dropped the weekend series and fell to 14-11 overall and 6-6 in Northwest Conference play.
NEXT
Linfield returns home for a non-conference matchup with Lewis & Clark on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Roy Helser Field.
