Bearcats and Wildcats Split Twinbill

KEIZER, Ore. — Willamette University (3-5, 2-3 NWC) faced Linfield University (8-4, 3-2 NWC) in a doubleheader on Saturday at Roto Rooter Park, splitting the two games. The Bearcats secured a narrow 5-4 victory in the first game but fell in the second contest, 11-6, after extra innings.

In Game 1, Willamette triumphed with a decisive three-run sixth inning, aided by Olen Nofziger's crucial RBI triple. Linfield initially took control, scoring three runs in the first inning on a two-RBI double from Cole Snidow and an RBI triple from Wyatt Hurley, setting the score at 3-1. The Bearcats responded in the fourth with a rally that shifted the momentum. Carter Stoltz and Adam Birt reached base, allowing Luca Penteriani to drive in Stoltz with a timely single. Liam O'Connor followed with a single to score Birt, and a sacrifice fly from Shayde Koga brought in the tying run.

Willamette took the lead in the seventh inning when Trevor Sostman singled and Braden Puapong stole second base. A sacrifice bunt from Stoltz advanced the runners, and Birt's groundout scored Puapong, putting the Bearcats ahead, 5-4. Despite a late-game triple from Matthew Rienhardt in the eighth, the Bearcats held onto the lead thanks to solid defense.

Dylan Turner was a standout for Willamette, pitching a complete game, allowing four earned runs over nine innings, striking out six batters. Stoltz contributed with two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Penteriani also had two hits with an RBI, and Birt reached base twice with a hit and a walk.

In Game 2, Linfield took control in the tenth inning, scoring five runs to break a 6-6 tie, with Jaxson Kister and Wyatt McClory providing key singles and Cole Hubka hitting an important RBI double. Earlier, the Bearcats had established a lead in the fourth inning, fueled by Trevor Sostman's two-RBI double, and a sacrifice fly from Stoltz that pushed the score to 6-5. However, Willamette missed opportunities to extend their lead, notably failing to score in the seventh with the bases loaded.

Stoltz continued his strong performance with three hits, including a double, and an RBI. Sostman contributed significantly with two hits, two runs, and two RBIs. Nate Hamburger also collected two hits and scored a run. Steven Verespey pitched six innings for the Bearcats, allowing six hits and striking out six batters, but Matthew Mason was charged with the loss after giving up five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings.

The Bearcats now hold an overall record of 3-5 and are 2-3 in the NWC, while Linfield improves to 8-4 overall and 3-2 in the NWC.