Willamette Falls Despite Strong Offensive Showing

REDLANDS, Calif. — Willamette (4-9) fell to Redlands (10-11) with a final score of 14-9 on Sunday at The Yard. Despite three home runs contributing to a strong offensive effort, Willamette's pitching struggled, allowing five runs in the fourth inning and six more in the sixth. Redlands capitalized on 19 hits, including two home runs, to secure the victory.

Redlands took decisive control in the sixth inning, capitalizing on a series of key plays to break the tie and build a substantial lead. After Sean McCance's double and a subsequent throwing error, Redlands added two more runs on a double and a series of singles. A productive walk and another single brought in two more runs, culminating in a six-run inning that shifted the game's momentum.

Willamette initially surged in the third inning with Jason Smith's double and subsequent advancement, setting up Olen Nofziger for an RBI single. A walk by Trevor Sostman loaded the bases, and Carter Stoltz delivered a crucial two-RBI single to center. Despite this productive start, the Bearcats' scoring opportunities diminished as Redlands' defense held firm.

In the eighth inning, the Bearcats attempted a late rally as Liam O'Connor was hit by a pitch and Adam Birt singled. Cam Hammer's sacrifice fly and a two-run homer by Finn Hoover closed the gap, but the team was unable to sustain the momentum in the final frame.

Olen Nofziger hit a home run and collected two RBIs and two runs in the game. Jason Smith also contributed significantly with a home run, a double, and two RBIs, scoring twice. Finn Hoover added a home run and drove in two runs while scoring once. Carter Stoltz drove in two RBIs with a hit during his time at the plate.

Matthew Mason pitched 4 innings for the Bearcats, allowing 5 earned runs on 6 hits, including 2 home runs, while striking out 3 batters. Roman Mahler, credited with the loss, recorded just 1 inning and gave up 7 earned runs on 8 hits with 2 strikeouts. For Redlands, Tanner Currier earned the win by pitching 2 innings without surrendering a run, striking out 2, and allowing only 2 hits. Aziz Bishop closed the game with a perfect inning, striking out one in his 1-inning appearance.