Bearcats fall to Warner Pacific

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (7-17) fell to Warner Pacific University (13-25) with a final score of 6–4 on Wednesday evening. Willamette initially took the lead, scoring one run in the first inning, but Warner Pacific responded with a pivotal three-run seventh inning to seize control. Despite the Bearcats' three-run rally in the seventh inning, Warner Pacific maintained its advantage through efficient pitching and timely hitting, securing the win with an additional insurance run in the ninth inning.

Warner Pacific seized control in the seventh inning, capitalizing on a crucial error by Willamette's third baseman. Collin Schil reached first on the miscue, setting the stage for Jarrod Seibe's two-RBI single to left center. Trenten Lowe followed with an RBI triple, propelling Warner Pacific to a 5–4 lead.

Willamette initially took the lead in the first inning with Trevor Sostman's RBI single, driving in Nate Hamburger, who had previously singled and stolen second. The home team staged a comeback in the seventh inning, scoring three times. Shayde Koga and Braden Puapong each singled, and Matthew Rienhardt reached on a throwing error, which allowed Koga to score. Cam Hammer's groundout brought another run home, and pinch-hitter Olen Nofziger delivered an RBI single, narrowing the deficit.

Despite loading the bases and creating opportunities, the Bearcats couldn't capitalize in the final innings. Warner Pacific's pitching and a ninth-inning RBI double by Mason Devern sealed the game, leaving Willamette unable to mount another rally.

Nate Hamburger contributed with one hit and one run, adding a stolen base to his performance. Micah Yanos posted two hits, showcasing solid contact at the plate. Roman Mahler excelled on the mound, pitching two scoreless innings with four strikeouts and allowing no hits. Austin Bilello added five strikeouts across three innings, despite giving up two earned runs.

Roman Mahler led the Bearcats' pitching staff with a scoreless two-inning performance, allowing no hits and striking out four, but issuing three walks. Austin Bilello pitched three innings, giving up two earned runs on two hits, including a home run, while recording five strikeouts and taking the loss for Willamette. For Warner Pacific, Payton Smith started strong with four innings pitched, allowing one earned run on three hits and one walk. Hank Kern earned the win with three innings of relief, surrendering one earned run and five hits, while Donny Tober secured the save with a scoreless inning, striking out one and walking one.