ANTHEM, Ariz. – Linfield held off a late rally by Cal Lutheran to remain undefeated in early season play, earning a 10-7 victory in the third game of the Arizona Classic tournament.

Robert Vaughn picked up the win for Linfield (3-0), throwing a two-hitter in six innings of work. Zach Brandon (Jr., Cottage Grove, Ore.) registered the save despite giving up five runs over the final three innings.

Peter Ciaramitaro was charged with the loss for Cal Lutheran (1-4).

Linfield struck first in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Zach Boskovich, who scored Eric Evenson on the play. The ‘Cats added four more runs over the next four innings to stretch the lead to 5-0.

After five scoreless innings, the Kingsmen finally got on the board in the top of the sixth. Richard Michelin reached base on an error by the center fielder and was then able to score on a single from teammate Nick Boggan. Cal Lutheran scored once more in the inning to cut the lead to 5-2.

The Wildcats got their best offensive production in the seventh, scoring three runs. Kyle Chamberlain (Sr., Portland, Ore.) and Kevin Coleman each provided RBIs.

Cal Lutheran threatened the lead in the final inning. The Kingsmen racked up four runs, including a three-run homer by Michelin. The Wildcat defense stayed tough, catching two straight fly balls to end the game.

Leading the way for the ‘Cats was Kenny Johnson (Jr., Federal Way, Wash.), who hit 3-for-3 with two singles and two RBIs. Chamberlain also had two RBIs and went 2-for-4. Dustin Smith was 2-for-4 with two singles and two RBIs.

Linfield and Cal Lutheran each committed six errors in the game, suggesting that both clubs need to sharpen up their defenses before beginning conference play.

NEXT: The ‘Cats play their fourth and final game of the Arizona Classic against Texas-Dallas Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. Pacific time.