Baseball splits a twinbill with MSOE

McMINNVILLE, Ore. — Willamette University (1-1) split a doubleheader against the Milwaukee School of Engineering (2-2) on Saturday at Roy Helser Field. The Bearcats fell short in the first game, suffering a 10-8 loss, but bounced back to secure a 14-10 victory in the second game.

In the first game, Willamette's offense came alive in the fourth inning with four runs, narrowing an early deficit and adding two more in the eighth to keep the game close. However, MSOE's four-run eighth inning proved decisive, securing the victory despite Willamette's 15-hit effort. MSOE seized control in the eighth inning with a four-run outburst fueled by a series of miscues, allowing a runner to reach second, followed by a double, a triple, and a wild pitch that contributed to unearned runs giving MSOE a commanding lead.

Willamette had its opportunities, most notably in the fourth inning when a rally turned the tide momentarily. T. Sostman and O. Nofziger each reached base, setting the stage for C. Stoltz's sacrifice fly and A. Birt's RBI single, contributing to a four-run frame. Despite these efforts, the Bearcats couldn't maintain momentum, stranding key runners in subsequent innings. In the ninth, Willamette mounted a final challenge with L. O'Connor and N. Hamburger each delivering singles, with Hamburger driving in a run. However, the rally was stifled as the next batters were retired, leaving the tying run on base.

T. Sostman led the team with three hits, including two doubles, and drove in one run. L. O'Connor contributed three hits and crossed the plate twice. C. Stoltz delivered two RBIs with a sacrifice fly and a double. S. Koga tallied three hits and recorded one RBI. D. Turner was a key pitcher for the Bearcats, throwing 4 innings with 5 strikeouts but allowed 8 hits and 2 earned runs, ultimately taking the loss with a 0-1 record. S. Verespey contributed 5 innings for the Bearcats, allowing 4 runs on 10 hits while striking out 2 and walking 1. MSOE's A. Shah secured a win with 4 innings pitched, yielding 2 runs on 5 hits with 3 strikeouts, while M. Davis for MSOE pitched 3 innings, giving up 3 earned runs on 5 hits and 4 walks, with 2 strikeouts.

In the second game, Willamette's offense was highlighted by a five-run fourth inning, contributing to its 18-hit performance. MSOE responded with five runs in the fourth and added three in the eighth, but it was not enough to overtake the lead. Willamette secured its victory with a decisive sequence in the fourth inning, capitalizing on MSOE's defensive miscues. After T. Sostman doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch, O. Nofziger drove him in with a single. C. Stoltz and A. Birt followed with an RBI single and a two-run homer, respectively, extending the lead. J. Smith added pressure by drawing a walk before N. Hamburger's RBI single capped the five-run inning.

Earlier in the game, the Bearcats set the tone with a four-run first inning. T. Sostman's walk and Nofziger's RBI double opened the scoring. Smith's single brought home two more runs after MSOE's left fielder committed an error. S. Koga added an RBI single, giving the Bearcats an early cushion. Despite a late push from MSOE in the eighth inning, Willamette maintained its lead. Nofziger's RBI single in the eighth provided an insurance run, and the defense held firm in the ninth, leaving MSOE's final threat stranded.

Nofziger recorded a strong performance, contributing three hits, two runs, and three RBIs, including a double. Stoltz also had a productive outing with three hits, three runs, and two RBIs, highlighted by a home run. Birt added to the scoring with a home run as part of his three-hit, three-run, and two-RBI performance. Smith provided two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs while drawing two walks. M. Mason was crucial for the Bearcats, pitching 3 1/3 innings and earning the win while striking out five and allowing two earned runs on three hits. E. Hsu secured a save with a scoreless 2-inning performance, giving up two hits and striking out two. N. Schikore struggled in 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven earned runs and seven hits. For MSOE, J. Hoffman took the loss after giving up four earned runs in 2 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and two walks, while J. Delaney started but lasted only 2/3 of an inning, surrendering four earned runs on two hits and one walk.

Willamette now holds a record of 1-1, while MSOE stands at 2-2.