Bearcats Triumphant Over Bruins

SALEM, Ore. — In their last home game of the season, Willamette University (9-29, 5-19 NWC) secured a decisive 11–1 victory over George Fox University (16-24, 10-14 NWC) on Sunday at Spec Keene Stadium. The Bearcats' offense was bolstered by two home runs and two doubles among its 13 hits, scoring in every inning but the first. George Fox managed to score its lone run in the seventh inning, but it was insufficient to overcome the Bearcats' early and consistent scoring.

Willamette capitalized on a second-inning scoring burst to maintain control, sealing the victory. Adam Birt started the rally with a single, followed by Jason Smith's hit to center. A productive groundout by Trevor Sostman advanced both runners, setting the stage for Micah Yanos' RBI single. Liam O'Connor then doubled to drive in another run, and Nate Hamburger capped the inning with a two-RBI single, providing a four-run cushion.

Olen Nofziger's power at the plate furthered the Bearcats' lead with solo home runs in the fourth and sixth innings. In the same sixth inning, a throwing error allowed Carter Stoltz to reach base, followed by Birt's double and a sacrifice fly from Finn Hoover, which extended the lead to double digits. Sostman contributed with an RBI single, bringing in an unearned run.

George Fox managed a single tally in the seventh, but a strong defensive effort kept additional threats at bay. Wesley Bonnici's two stolen bases in the seventh underscored the Bearcats' aggressive play, culminating in a hit-by-pitch RBI from Birt, closing out the scoring.

Nofziger delivered a powerful performance, hitting two home runs and collecting two RBIs while crossing the plate twice. Steven Verespey pitched a complete game, allowing one earned run and striking out five over seven innings. Yanos contributed with two hits and two RBIs, adding a run to his tally. Birt added two hits, including a double, scored twice, and drove in a run.