Bearcats Blast Bruins
Hamburger's groundout aids first point by Reinhardt
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
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0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 1 |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | X | 11 | 12 | 1 |
SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University secured an 11–6 victory over George Fox University on a rainy Wednesday night. Willamette's offense was highlighted by a decisive eight-run fourth inning, which included three doubles and a home run, setting the tone for the win. George Fox made a late push with three runs in the eighth inning but could not overcome the deficit.
The Bearcats had taken an early lead when Matthew Rienhardt tripled and scored on a groundout by Nate Hamburger. The team maintained pressure throughout, with Hamburger drawing three walks and stealing a base.
With a commanding fourth inning, fueled by a combination of timely hitting and capitalizing on opportunities, the Bearcats secured their victory. Trevor Sostman initiated the scoring with a solo home run. Following that, Finn Hoover's involvement became pivotal as he was hit by a pitch, allowing Olen Nofziger and Michon Cole to reach base. Cam Hammer's RBI single and Shayde Koga's two-run double extended the lead. A sacrifice fly by Rienhardt and a fielding error further widened the gap, with Hoover delivering a two-RBI single to cap the eight-run outburst.
Despite a late rally from George Fox in the eighth inning, which was aided by a throwing error that allowed two unearned runs, Willamette's strategic plays proved decisive. Hoover's two-RBI double in the bottom of the eighth inning sealed the win, ensuring the lead remained out of reach.
Rienhardt led the team with three hits and scored two runs, including a triple and a stolen base. Sostman contributed with a home run and an RBI, adding to the team's offensive push. Hoover made a significant impact by collecting four RBIs and hitting a double, while Koga doubled and drove in two runs. Matthew Mason led the Bearcats with 3 innings pitched, allowing 1 earned run on 3 hits with 2 strikeouts. Roman Mahler contributed 2 innings, surrendering 1 earned run on 2 hits while walking 2 batters. Brandon Goodell also pitched 2 innings, giving up 1 earned run through 1 home run, adding a strikeout.
The Bearcats compete next at home against University of Puget Sound in Salem, Oregon on April 18 at 12 pm.