Willamette Falls Twice to George Fox, 6–3 and 10–8

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (8-29, 4-19 NWC) faced George Fox University (16-23, 10-13 NWC) in a doubleheader at Spec Keene Stadium, suffering defeats in both games, with scores of 6–3 and 10–8, respectively.

In the first game, Willamette managed two home runs contributing to its three-run total. The game was tied at the end of nine innings, but George Fox capitalized in the 10th inning, scoring three runs to secure the victory. An error by Willamette's shortstop and a miscue by the first baseman opened the door for George Fox. Andre Butler's sacrifice fly brought in the first unearned run, followed by Joey Marasco's single that drove in two more unearned runs, creating a decisive lead.

Willamette's offensive efforts were highlighted by Carter Stoltz and Micah Yanos. Stoltz put the team on the board with a solo home run in the sixth, while Yanos contributed a two-run homer in the seventh, tying the game at 3–3. Despite these efforts, the Bearcats could not sustain momentum in the late innings. In the bottom of the 10th, the Bearcats faced a last chance to change the outcome when Nate Hamburger reached base after being hit by a pitch, but the lineup could not generate a rally, closing the game without adding to the score.

Carter Stoltz had a notable performance, recording two hits, including a home run, and driving in one run while scoring once. Micah Yanos added power to the lineup with his home run and two RBIs. On the mound, Nate Schikore pitched 7 innings, striking out eight batters while allowing three earned runs. Roman Mahler provided 2 2/3 innings of relief, striking out one and issuing two walks. For George Fox, Lucas Plenert matched Schikore's length with 7 innings, striking out 10 and allowing 3 earned runs. Joey Wilcox secured the win for George Fox with 2 innings pitched, giving up 1 hit and striking out 1, while Andrew Miller earned the save with a scoreless 9th inning.

In the second game, Willamette took an early lead with a six-run third inning, highlighted by a home run and six doubles. However, George Fox rallied with four runs in the ninth inning to secure the victory. Both teams recorded nine hits, but the Bearcats' pitching allowed two home runs and 10 total runs, which proved decisive in the outcome.

George Fox mounted a comeback in the ninth, scoring four runs to overturn a two-run deficit. Andre Butler's double set the stage, advancing to third on a wild pitch before scoring on a groundout. A hit by pitch and a key two-RBI double by Austin Stalwick shifted the momentum. George Fox capitalized on a fielding error to add an unearned insurance run, sealing the outcome.

Willamette initially gained control with a six-run rally in the third inning, fueled by timely hitting. Jason Smith walked and scored on Micah Yanos's double, aided by an outfield error. Liam O'Connor's three-run homer was pivotal in extending the lead, while Cam Hammer's stolen base and subsequent run on a wild pitch highlighted aggressive baserunning. Despite leading into the ninth, the Bearcats' offense stalled, stranding runners and missing late opportunities to cushion the lead.

Liam O'Connor delivered a powerful performance with a home run and four RBIs. Luca Penteriani contributed by scoring two runs and adding a double, while Jason Smith posted two hits, including a double, drove in a run, and drew two walks. Nate Hamburger collected two hits, scored a run, and stole a base.

Brandon Goodell was the standout pitcher for the Bearcats in the second game, throwing 4 2/3 innings with three strikeouts and allowing three earned runs. However, he was tagged with the loss. Elliot Hsu started the game for Willamette, pitching four innings and surrendering six earned runs. For George Fox, Grant Baskin and Andrew Miller were pivotal in securing the win and save, respectively, with Baskin earning the win and Miller closing out the game with two strikeouts.

The Bearcats now have an overall record of 8-29, standing with a conference record of 4-19 in the NWC, while George Fox holds a record of 16-23 and is 10-13 in the conference.