McMINNVILLE, Ore. --- Linfield baseball (12-5, 7-2 NWC) had their winning streak snapped on Thursday evening at home, falling 8-4 in a non-conference battle with No. 1-ranked Denison (12-1). 
 
The top-ranked Big Red got to Linfield starter Garrett Hames with two outs in the opening frame, scoring a pair of runs on a throwing error by the Linfield shortstop on a the throw from across the field. A scheduled bullpen game for head coach Jordan Harlow, freshman Jack Williams relieved Hames on the bump with two outs in the second, stranding two runners with a inning-ending groundout.
 
Wyatt McClory recorded the Wildcats first hit of the game in the home second with a one-out single to left center. Linfield stranded the bases loaded later in the inning, unable to plate the runners in scoring position. Denison added one to open the third with a solo shot to right, 3-0.
 
Linfield's offense was stalled over the next two innings, while Denison loaded the bags with no outs in the fifth, scoring just one run prior to an inning-ending double play. Josh Mansur led off the home fifth with a single, later loading the bases with two down on an Ely Kennel single. Jaxson Kister doubled to left center, scoring two Wildcats to make it 4-2 through five. 
 
Another inning started off with three on and no outs for the Big Red, forcing Linfield's Zach Jaeger to come in to relieve Williams on the mound. Denison scored just one in the inning once again, as the Wildcat's were unable to turn-two with one down. 
 
The offense scattered singles over the next three innings but couldn't find the clutch hit to cut into the deficit. Denison made good use of free bases in the eighth, extending their lead to 7-2, and later 8-2 with an RBI-single in the eighth.
 
Rylan Gullard led off the ninth with a single, scoring on a two-run home run by Kennel to make it 8-4 and give Linfield hope for a comeback for a moment. Kister reached on an error, but the momentum was halted as Denison captured the final two outs, 8-4.
 
Kennel's ninth-inning blast earned him a 2-5 night at the plate, one of four Wildcats with two runs in the game. Both Kennel and Kister drove in two, while Linfield stranded 11 runners on base although out-hitting Denison, 10-7. Hames was credited with the loss after starting the bullpen game, his first of the season. 
 
The series continues with game two tomorrow evening at Roy Helser Field, first pitch set for 5:30 p.m.
 
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