Bearcats Fall 9–3 to Chapman

ORANGE, Calif. — Willamette University (4-12) fell to Chapman University (10-10) with a final score of 9–3 on Sunday at Hart Park. Willamette managed to score three runs in the first three innings, highlighted by a home run, but could not maintain the momentum. Chapman's offense surged in the second and third innings, scoring five runs, and added three more in the seventh to secure the victory.

Chapman's decisive seventh inning sealed the game with a three-run surge. Joey Capobianco doubled down the left field line to drive in Ryan Nopper, followed by Tate Zimmerman's two-run homer to left center. These pivotal plays extended Chapman's lead, leaving the Bearcats unable to recover.

Willamette had its key moment in the third inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue by Chapman. Olen Nofziger singled, and with Nate Hamburger also reaching base, Trevor Sostman reached on an error, allowing Nofziger to score. Carter Stoltz then executed a sacrifice fly to bring in Hamburger, narrowing the gap to 5–3. However, despite opportunities, the Bearcats could not further penetrate Chapman's defense.

Earlier in the game, Adam Birt's solo home run in the second inning provided an early spark for the visitors. Defensive plays, including a pickoff of a Chapman runner in the second inning, showcased moments of solid play, but the Bearcats could not string together a sustained rally in the later innings.

Birt led the offense with a home run, contributing one run and one RBI. Stoltz added one hit and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Hamburger collected one hit and scored a run while recording five putouts in center field. Meanwhile, Liam O'Connor secured a hit and a stolen base.

Nate Schikore pitched 6 innings for the Bearcats, allowing 7 hits and 6 earned runs while striking out 3, ultimately taking the loss. Matthew Mason contributed 1 inning in relief, surrendering 4 hits and 3 earned runs, with a single strikeout. Roman Mahler delivered a scoreless inning, despite issuing 1 walk and hitting 2 batters. For Chapman, Ryan Iveson earned the win by pitching 6 innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 earned run, while striking out 4. J. Cantwell-Nahrung provided 2 scoreless innings of relief, allowing just 1 hit and fanning 2 batters.

Willamette has a record of 4-12. Chapman has a record of 10-10.