FOREST GROVE, Ore. - Linfield's postseason run came to a close Friday afternoon as the Wildcats fell 7-3 to Whitworth in an elimination game at the Northwest Conference Tournament, marking their second loss in as many days.
The Wildcats struck first with two unearned runs in the top of the second inning.
Luke Porter and
Tyler Marr sparked the rally with singles, and an error by Whitworth's shortstop allowed both to score. Linfield's early lead was short-lived as the Pirates responded with a solo homer by Aidan Morrison in the second, then capitalized on a Linfield error to plate three runs in the fourth.
Whitworth extended its lead in the fifth, scoring three more runs on back-to-back doubles by Ty Komoda and Caleb Gray, chasing Linfield starter
Jake Swenson. The Wildcats' bullpen held the Pirates scoreless the rest of the way, but the offense couldn't overcome the deficit despite outhitting Whitworth 13-11.
Marr led Linfied, going 4-for-4 with a double while
Trent Wainfeld went 3-for-4 with a double of his own.
Wyatt Hurley drove in the Wildcats' final run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh, but Linfield left 11 runners stranded over the course of the game.
Whitworth's starter, Dylan Huntsman, earned the win with six innings of three-run ball (one earned), and Quentin O'Connor secured the save.
Zack Hampson and
Zach Johnson pitched 3.1 relief innings for the Wildcats, allowing just one hit over the final three frames.
The loss eliminated Linfield from the double-elimination tournament after Thursday's 5-4 defeat to Pacific. The Wildcats finish the season with 24 wins, their most since 2018 and the most under head coach
Dan Spencer.
