It was the tale of two types of Linfield baseball in Orange, Calif., this weekend against the Chapman Panthers.

The first game of the series was a rough one for the Wildcats. Senior Robert Vaughn started the game for the ‘Cats and was poorly backed up by his infielders. After two errors that extended the second inning, Vaughn gave up a grand slam to Chapman. All six runs scored off Vaughn were unearned. Chapman’s players shut down the Linfield batters, striking out 16 and only giving up six hits.

The second game of the evening showed a more competitive Linfield team. Senior Ryan Larson pitched a gem, allowing only four hits and one earned run in nine innings. The ‘Cats scored early in the second and third innings to pick up a two-run lead which they held through the rest of the game. Linfield only racked up five hits throughout the game, but taking advantage of walks and errors early allowed them to win the game 2-1.

During the third game, errors again plagued the ‘Cats and cost them the game. Poor hitting and fielding caused Linfield to drop the ball and lose the third game of the series, 1-6. Sophomore Zach Brandon started the third game and pitched 4.1 innings until senior Spencer Crepeaux came in for relief. Crepeaux gave up two earned runs in 2.2 innings. Senior Casey Cameron came in to close the game, giving up one earned run.

“We had to forget about the last game and focus on the things we could control in the next” sophomore Kenny Johnson said.

Senior Zach Boskovich went 0-15 with eight strikeouts in the series, but his bat was not needed for the final game of the series, rather his arm. With the game tied at two to two in the bottom of the eighth, Chapman’s Connor Battaglia hit a single to left field. As Troy Newman tried to go home, Boskovich threw a strike to catcher junior Kyle Chamberlain, who tagged out Newman at the plate and ended the threat in the bottom of the eighth.

After eight innings of play, freshman Chris Haddeland was relieved by sophomore Justin Huckins, who ended up pitching the next five innings. Huckins gave up only one hit and two walks in five innings of play.

The Wildcats were under the clock however, as the 13th inning rolled around. They were in their final inning no matter what because of their need to leave soon because of their flight time. The ‘Cats didn’t disappoint. In the top of the 13th, sophomore Kramer Lindell came up to the plate with a runner at first and sent the ball sailing over the fence for a two run shot that gave the ‘Cats a two run lead headed into the bottom of the 13th. When asked how it felt to hit the home run that gave Linfield the lead, Lindell responded, “Good.” To finish the game, Huckins threw a fastball past Charlie Piro, who struck out looking to end any hope of a comeback by Chapman.

The next series the Wildcats play will be against George Fox University on April 21. The ‘Cats, currently third in the Northwest Conference, will look to further close the gap with Pacific and Whitworth.

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Carson Crepeau/Staff writer
Carson Crepeaux can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

Sophomore Nate McClellan hits a single during the sixth inning April 7 at Roy Helser field. Kate Straube/Staff photographer

Where will the Wildcats be at the end of the season? They still have a shot at first and their playoff hopes remain alive.

The ‘Cats baseball team traveled to Concordia this week to get in a game before facing second ranked Pacific Lutheran University.

The ‘Cats played 11 innings of competitive baseball until they finally were able to cross the plate one more time, in the top of the 11th, and then held on to win the game 3-2.

“The Concordia game gave us an opportunity to get everyone some live looks so we could come into the weekend looking sharp” senior Casey Cameron said.

And look sharp they did. The first game against the PLU Lutes showed some excellent pitching by senior Ryan Larson, who pitched seven innings while only allowing six hits and one earned run.

Senior Spencer Crepeaux came in to finish the game and pitched two scoreless innings with three strike outs.

The ‘Cats batters also showed their abilities by racking up 12 hits and 11 runs in the 11-1 route of the Lutes.

The second game of the series was also a successful outing for the ‘Cats. Senior Zach Manley pitched six innings, giving up four hits and two earned runs.

Senior Robert Vaughn came in for three innings, allowing only one hit, striking out four, recording his second save of the season.

Though the ‘Cats only put up six hits, they made the most out of them by scoring six runs throughout the game. Once again, strong pitching by  Linfield held the Lutes to only two runs. The ‘Cats won the game, 6-2.

The third game was back and forth, and the ‘Cats were down by one in the bottom of the sixth when senior Zach Boskovich stepped up to the plate.

Whispers among the crowd were hoping for a swing of the bat to tie up the game. Boskovich did just that. As soon as the bat made contact with the ball, it was obvious that the ball was going over the fence.

The following inning, off a single by junior Kyle Chamberlain, junior Jordan Harlow advanced from second to touch home plate, putting the ‘Cats up by one.

Unfortunately for the ‘Cats, they lost the lead in the following inning and were unable to score in the following innings, losing the final game of the series 5-6.

“Overall the weekend was very positive,” senior Jesse Boustead said. “We did a lot of things as a team that lead to some big wins. We battled through everything and played strong for all 27 innings. If we continue to do that we’ll be in good shape.”

The next games will be April 13 at Chapman University in southern California. The team will play four non-league games, looking to get a playoff bid.

Through a string of away games, the Wildcat’s next home game will be May 4 against Lewis-Clark State.

ing six hits and one earned run.

Senior Spencer Crepeaux came into finish the game and pitched two scoreless innings with three strike outs.

The ‘Cats batters also showed their abilities by racking up 12 hits and 11 runs in the 11-1 route of the Lutes.

The second game of the series was again a successful outing for the ‘Cats. Senior Zach Manley pitched six innings giving up four hits and two earned runs. Robert Vaughn came in for three innings allowing only one hit, struck four people out and got his second save of the season.

Though the ‘Cats only put up six hits they made the most out of them by scoring six runs throughout the game. Once again strong pitching by the Linfield pitchers held the Lutes to only two runs. ‘Cats won the game 6-2.

The third game was back and forth and when the ‘Cats were down by one in the bottom of the sixth when senior Zach Boskovich stepped up to the plate.

Quiet whispers among the crowd were hoping for a swing of the bat to tie up the game. Boskovich did just that. As soon as the ball made contact with the bat it was obvious that the ball was leaving the ball park.

The following inning off a single by junior Kyle Chamberlain Jordan Harlow advanced from second to home and tagged the upper hand corner of the plate blocked by the Lutes’ catcher to beat the throw and put the ‘Cats up by one.

Unfortunately for the ‘Cats they lost the lead in the following inning and were unable to score in the following innings. Losing the final game of the series 5-6.

“Overall the weekend was very positive,” senior Jesse Boustead said. “We did a lot of things as a team that lead to some big wins. We battled through everything and played strong for all 27 innings. If we continue to do that we’ll be in good shape.”

The next games will be at Chapman University in southern California. They will play four non-league games and look to further their cause at gaining a bid for playoffs.

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Carson Crepeaux/Staff writer
Carson Crepeaux can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

In a series against Willamette, the Wildcats gladly welcomed back sophomore Nate McClellan to the lineup. McClellan was the hot hitter, going 6-11 this weekend in three games.

During the first game of the series, the Linfield Wildcats struggled to figure out Willamette pitcher Brandon Simon.

Simon, sporting a 6.38 ERA for the season, was able to deceive the Wildcats and pitched a complete game, shutting down Linfield’s offense by only allowing seven hits and one run, resulting in a Linfield loss, 1-4.

Hitting has been an issue in the past few games for the Wildcats. However, in the second game of the series, they stepped up their game with 13 hits.

“We were more aggressive at the plate” junior Tim Wilson said. “We were attacking the fastball and our hits began to drop in for us.”

Going off the momentum from a game-winning single by McClellan, the Wildcats began the third game with a bang.

In this game, not only did the Linfield players bat in a couple runs in the first few innings, but also the Willamette Bearcats
handed Linfield another pair of runs with a wild throw past the first baseman in the bottom of the fifth.

Junior Zach Manley pitched four and two-thirds innings before being relieved by senior Casey Cameron. In the following inning senior Spencer Crepeaux came in to pitch, remaining until the last inning when sophomore Zach Brandon came in to shut down the Bearcats.

Pitcher junior Zach Manley attributes his effectiveness to “keeping the ball low and in the zone” he said. “Also, being a four pitch guy helps me to have success while I’m on the mound.”

The Wildcats continue next weekend in Walla Walla, Wash. Their opponent will be Whitman, who experienced three blow-out losses against Pacific Lutheran University last weekend.

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Carson Crepeaux/Staff writer
Carson Crepeaux can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

The weekend offered a disappointing finish for the Linfield Wildcats baseball team. It acquired two loses and only one win against the Pacific University Boxers of Forest Grove.

During the first game, the ‘Cats were given a beating, losing to the Boxers 1-7.

The only run was scored in the bottom of the ninth by sophomore Kramer Lindell when he took a fastball over the left field wall.

The ‘Cats only rounded up five hits in the first game. The second game, however, showed a different team.

Along with brilliant relief pitching by senior Robert Vaughn (six strike-outs and zero runs in six innings of play) the ‘Cats also showcased some hitting ability against the Boxers’ pitching staff.

The Wildcats were able to overcome the Pacific Boxers in the second game 6-3,  tying the series at 1-1 going into Sunday’s game.

“[Our first loss] was a wake up for the whole team, that we weren’t unbeatable and that helped motivate us to step up our game,” junior Zach Manley said.

Game three started off with a bang, with the ‘Cats scoring on a sacrifice fly by senior Zach Boskovich for their first run.

Later in the top of the fourth, with runners on, both senior Jesse Boustead and junior Kenny Johnson hit RBI singles.

There is nothing quite like the double play that Johnson started with a backhanded ground ball, a quick underhand throw 60 feet to junior Tim Wilson who threw the ball to junior Clayton Truex right before the batter reached first.

Senior pitcher Ryan Larson held the Boxers to just three runs in the six innings he threw.

Senior Spencer Crepeaux came in to pitch in the bottom of the seventh with the score at 6-3 in favor of the Wildcats.

After getting two runs in the seventh and none in the eighth, the Boxers were down 5-6 in the bottom of the ninth. With two outs and a runner at first, the Wildcats looked like they were about to take away their second win, but unfortunately, the Boxers’ bats got hot and they were able to squeak out a win by dodging a tag at home to win the game 7-6.

When asked about the losses, there was only one real answer. “You just have to forget about it and move on,” junior Kyle Chamberlain said.

The Wildcats’ next series is against Willamette University at 11 a.m. March 10 at home.

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Carson Crepeaux/Staff writer
Carson Crepeaux can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

Junior first baseman Kyle Chanberlain tries to tag a Lewis & Clark runner when he dove back to the base during the Feb. 24 game at home at Hesler Field. Kaylyn Peterson/Sports editor

Even if a team is ranked top 25 in the nation, it doesn’t mean that playing against a team that is now 0-11 for the season comes easy. The Linfield baseball team still finds a way to pull it off.

“What makes us a good team is that we play the entire game,” senior Jesse Boustead said. “We play every inning and don’t give up.”

The Wildcats played two different games Feb. 25.

The first game was a showcase of the ’Cats’ talent for hitting the ball.

With 13 hits, the Wildcats routed the Lewis & Clark Pioneers 14-5 in the first game. Not only was their hitting successful, but the pitching as well.

Senior Ryan Larson started the game and pitched four innings, only allowing two runs.

Larson probably would have gone deeper into the game, but he was hit in the arm with a hit ball back to the mound. He finished the inning and started the fifth but was pulled after two batters.

Senior Casey Cameron came in for an inning and ended up being the winning pitcher for the ‘Cats. Senior Robert Vaughn and sophomore Garett Speyer also made appearances on the
mound.

The Pioneers played better in the second game against the ’Cats, but eventually fell to Linfield 7-1.

The Wildcats scored the most runs during the third inning, scoring three runs. First to score that inning was senior Zach Boskovich, who scored on junior Clayton Truex’s hit.

Junior Jordan Harlow batted in Chamberlain, scoring the second run of the inning. The last run of the inning was brought in by Truex.

Sophomore Zach Brandon started the game for Linfield and pitched five innings with only one earned run. This game was the second win for Brandon out of two starts.

Freshman Chris Haddeland made his second appearance of the year and pitched four scoreless innings, only allowing one hit.

The game was close throughout the first seven innings, but in the eighth inning, the ‘Cats scored four runs and extended the lead with six runs to ensure their second victory of the day.

The ‘Cats played their final game against the Pioneers in a game that ended in the bottom of the ninth. With a man at first and second, the score was tied with one out.

Junior Michael Hopp came up to the plate and hit a chopper to the shortstop.

In an attempt to get a double play to end the inning, the Pioneers blew the double play with a throw that went past the first baseman. This allowed Linfield’s runner to score from second to win the game.

The ‘Cats didn’t play their best this weekend, but they prevailed and won the series 3-0.

“It’s nice to have three league wins under the belt, and we are working on various lineups to help us be successful down the road,” Cameron said.

The Wildcats’ next games are at 11 a.m. March 3 against Pacific University and  at noon March 4 in Forest Grove, Ore. The team’s next home games will be March 10 and 11 against Willamette University.

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Carson Crepeaux/Staff writer
Carson Crepeaux can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

Sophomore pitcher Zach Brandon (left) and junior catcher Kyle Chamberlain (right) walk off the field after an inning during a Feb. 18th game in Anthem, Ariz. Carson Crepeaux/ Staff writer

The Linfield baseball team traveled to play in a four-game series Feb. 16 through Feb. 19 in Anthem, Ariz.

Entering his fifth season as head coach of the baseball team, Scott Brosius once again leads his team toward the goal of reaching the Division III World Series.

The first game of the season was a successful one.

After going down by two in the first inning, the ’Cats returned fire and scored six runs throughout the game, including a home run by senior Zach Boskovich.

The Linfield Wildcats won their first game 6-2 against McMurray State from Abilene, Texas.

The second game against Claremont-Mudd-Scrippis on Feb. 18 was a hard fought game, but in the end, the ’Cats lost their first game of the season 3-5.

Senior Robert Vaughn started the second game and looked impressive after returning from a mid-season injury last year.

“In 2009, I had Tommy John surgery and also tweaked my arm mid- season of last year,” Vaughn said.

The baseball team responded in its next game against Sul Ross State University. Linfield brought out the bats and scored an outstanding 21 runs to Sul Ross’ 2 runs.

Sophomore pitcher Zach Brandon started the game for the ’Cats.

“I’m refining my mechanics and playing with different grips,” Brandon said.

He said he also enjoys the fact that the coaches are aware that it’s the beginning of the season and are not letting the pitchers get to a high pitch count early in the season.

Brandon was followed by senior pitcher Jacob Nolte and freshman pitcher Chris Haddeland Feb. 18.

Haddeland had a strong start for his  Linfield debut.

The Wildcats faced their final challenge of the week against California Lutheran University on Feb. 19.

Senior Zach Manley started the game pitching for the ’Cats and threw six scoreless innings.

Senior pitcher Spencer Crepeaux came in as relief . Two unearned runs were scored in the eighth inning.

After hitting a batter in the ninth with one out, Crepeaux was relieved by sophomore Garett Speyer who got the last two outs and finished the game by striking out the last batter to end the threat in the top of the ninth inning.

The Wildcats won the game 3-2.

One impressive defensive play was done by Manley and company. There was a bunt back to the pitcher’s mound and Manley bare handed the ball threw a bullet to second, which allowed shortstop sophomore Kenny Johnson to fire the ball to first for a double-play.

Kicking off the season with a good start, the Linfield baseball team came out of its Arizona tournament with three of its four games.

The Wildcats’ next game is against Lewis & Clark University  at 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at home.

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Carson Crepeaux/ Staff writer
Carson Crepeaux can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

The baseball team’s journey at the NCAA Abilene Regional ended against Chapman University on May 21, when the ’Cats lost 7-8.

The baseball team had continued in the NCAA Division III competition for two more rounds after its win against University of Texas at Tyler 6-3 on May 19. Linfield beat Trinity University 9-6 the next day.

While the game against Chapman did not turn out in a win for the Wildcats, baseball team put up a fight. The score bounced back and forth between Chapman and Linfield as they fought for the lead.

It wasn’t until the ninth inning when Chapman pulled ahead by a single run, which sent the Wildcats home.

When asked about his  most memorable moment while at regionals, senior catcher Cole Bixenman
reflected on the tournament and his teammates.

“Probably my boy Gunnar Cederberg hitting a huge two run homer in our win against Trinity. That was a big momentum play for us,” he said.

While the Linfield experience has ended for the team’s seniors, Bixenman said that being a part of the team has been great, and the experience will not soon be forgotten.

“It’s been great to be a part of such a winning program for four years,” he said. “To go through the trials and tribulations of a baseball season is crazy, and to see how each and every year the different groups of guys pulled together as one will stick with me forever.”

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Kaylyn Peterson/Sports editor
Kaylyn Peterson can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

The Wildcats traveled to Abilene, Texas for regionals on May 16. Linfield played against Concordia University Texas on May 18, and then played against University of Texas-Tyler on May 19. After Linfield lose their first game 5-2, they won their second game 6-3.

Upon arriving in Abilene, Texas, the team scouted out the field, when all the teams were invited to practice. Lawrence University is hosting regionals at the Fox Cities Stadium.

During Linfield’s first game, both teams started off slow until Concordia University Texas scored two runs in the fourth inning. Linfield didn’t get on the board until the sixth inning where they scored their two runs of the game. With a double elimination policy, the team was paired up with University Texas-Tyler who lost against Chapman University.

Freshmen pitcher Zach Brandon said that the team’s excitement got the better of them as they struggled to get players that were on base home.

“We definitely had our chances during the game, where we could have put runs on the board. We just could get those big hits to bring in our players who were on base,” he said.

Making up for their lost in the game before, Linfield scored five runs in the first inning during their game against University of Texas-Tyler. Senior second baseman Eric Evenson was the first score, followed by sophomore center fielder Tim Wilson, senior catcher Cole Bixenman, freshmen left fielder Nate McClellan, and sophomore Clayton Truex. Linfield stayed in lead even with two runs scored against them in the fifth and ninth inning.

Brandon said that the team had a great first inning, and they were pumped up for their second game.

“We had a great first inning. We were able to ride the momentum, and we all did a great job,” he said. “[Freshman Pitcher] Zach Manley also did great on the mound and our defense was doing great at backing him up.”

Winning this game will keep the Wildcats in the fight to win regionals. Their next game is May 20 against Trinity University.

For the seniors of the team, this will be their last chance at playing in regionals.

Evenson has been on the team since his freshmen year, he said that being on the team has helped shaped him as a person.

“Linfield baseball has shaped me in so many ways. I’ve developed habits related to discipline and the pursuit of excellence in anything I do, not just on the field. Most of all its about the people involved. My teammates and coaches are so important to me and will be lasting friendships,” he said.

He also advises the younger players to enjoy the journey while it lasts.

“I’d just advise younger players to enjoy the journey,” he said. “It’s easy to also look ahead to the end product but the most valuable stuff is how you got there.”

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Kaylyn Peterson/Sports editor
Kaylyn Peterson can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com