SALEM, Ore. — Willamette (8-22, 4-13 NWC) fell to the University of Puget Sound (18-12, 9-8 NWC) with final scores of 4-3 and 12–3 on Saturday at Spec Keene Stadium. 

Game #1 — Puget Sound 4, Willamette 3

Puget Sound secured the victory with a pivotal three-run homer by Matt Churchill in the third inning, which opened up a 4–0 lead. Willamette mounted a comeback attempt in the sixth, fueled by Jason Smith's three-run home run to center field, driving in Trevor Sostman and Carter Stoltz. The Bearcats continued to apply pressure late in the game. In the eighth inning, back-to-back singles by Nate Hamburger and Stoltz, followed by a fielder's choice from Sostman, put runners on the corners. However, the inning ended without a score. In the ninth, Willamette loaded the bases with two outs, but a fielder's choice ended the game, leaving the tying run stranded at third. Despite outhitting Puget Sound 7-6, Willamette's efforts were not enough to secure the victory.

Stoltz posted three hits and scored one run, demonstrating his effectiveness at the plate. Smith contributed significantly with a home run, driving in three runs and drawing one walk. Sostman added to the scoring with one hit and one run, while also reaching base on a walk. Nate Schikore, on the mound, pitched 6 1/3 innings, recording two strikeouts while allowing four earned runs. Matthew Mason provided 2 2/3 innings of relief, striking out one without allowing any runs.

Game #2 — Puget Sound 12, Willamette 3

Puget Sound took control early, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding six more in the sixth to secure the victory. The sequence included key RBI singles and capitalized on an error, extending the margin to seven runs. Preston Crockett's two-RBI single capped the scoring burst, leaving Willamette with a significant deficit to overcome. Willamette generated momentum in the bottom half of the sixth when Michon Cole launched a two-run homer to right center, driving in Jason Smith. Earlier, Smith had reached base with a single. Despite this effort, the Bearcats' bats were mostly contained throughout the game, managing only one more run in the ninth with Olen Nofziger's solo homer.

The game saw missed opportunities for Willamette, including a pickoff in the fifth and runners left in scoring positions. Despite the loss, the Bearcats managed to hit two home runs, contributing to their three-run total.

Matthew Rienhardt led the team's offensive charge, collecting three hits in his appearance. Cole contributed significantly with a home run and two RBIs, adding a run scored to his performance. Nofziger also showcased power, hitting a home run while driving in one run and scoring once. Smith added depth with two hits and a run scored.

Luca Penteriani started for Willamette, pitching 1 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on three hits, and recording three strikeouts while taking the loss. Mason followed with 3 1/3 innings, surrendering six earned runs on ten hits with two strikeouts. Brandon Goodell contributed another 3 1/3 innings, conceding three earned runs on six hits.

The Bearcats compete next April 19 against Puget Sound at 12pm in Spec Keene Stadium.