NEWBERG, Ore. – Linfield baseball (7-3, 2-1 NWC) fell behind early in the series finale against George Fox (3-7, 1-2 NWC) proving to be the difference in the game, falling 6-3. Thanks to yesterday's sweep, the Wildcats claimed the series for their first series win of the conference slate.
 
"Anytime you get a series win, it's big." said head coach Jordan Harlow following Sunday's game.
 
"I'm pleased with the way the guys came out of the gate yesterday, showing that we were ready to go. Even through today, we got behind in the first, but the guys battled back and the relievers did a good job to keep us in it."
 
George Fox struck first, hoping to get back after Linfield took games one and two in yesterday's doubleheader. The Bruins scored four runs on four hits in the first inning, knocking Wildcat starter Jacob Bishop out of the game before the inning ended.
 
Nick Holm but the 'Cats on the board in the top of the second with the team's first hit of the game, going deep to right field. Fox responded with a solo shot of their own in the home half, keeping the lead at four runs.
 
Holm singled with one out in the fourth, scoring on a two-out triple off the bat of Josh Mansur to cut into the deficit. 
 
Another solo home run in the fifth for the Bruins made it 6-2 before Linfield rallied with two-outs in the top of the sixth. Wyatt McClory reached on an infield error, then two later walks loaded the bags for pinch-hitter Ely Kennel. Kennel was hit by a pitch, scoring McClory. 
 
George Fox maintained their 6-3 advantage into the ninth with Linfield down to their final three outs.
 
With two-down, Linfield worked three walks to load the bases in hopes of a second-straight comeback. Unfortunately the momentum was cut short by a strikeout to end the game, 6-3.
 
The Linfield offense struggled to their standards that they've set early this season, notching six hits in the game. Holm went 2-4 at the plate, driving in one and scoring twice. Jacob Bishop was credited with the loss after two-thirds of an inning on the mound, while Colton Oullette held it down over six innings of relief work, allowing just two runs on five hits, sitting down eight Bruins.
 
"We're close, we have a couple other pieces that we need to get better at, but I like the direction we're heading." Said Harlow. 
 
"The offense has been great, and it's been nice to see multiple contributors in the sense of different guys stepping up."
 
The 'Cats head to Salem, Oregon, next weekend to face the Willamette Bearcats in a three-game set, continuing Northwest Conference action on Saturday and Sunday.
 
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