By: Jake Bienvenue

NEWBERG, Ore. --- The George Fox baseball team hosted Whitworth for a Sunday afternoon conference showdown, losing to the Pirates, 5-2.

Recap:

The Bruins jumped out to an early advantage in the bottom of the third. Hits from Andrew Reichenbach and Brandon Wileman put the team in scoring position and AJ Valencia earned the RBI on a fielder's choice. The scoring effort gained the home team the narrow lead, 1-0.

A two-run inning by the Pirates in the top of the fourth allowed for the challengers to take the lead. The game remained contested until another Pirate scoring effort in the top of the sixth widened the gap, 4-1.

The Bruins struck back in the bottom of the sixth as a double to right field by Valencia set up Zachery Muenster for a beautiful RBI double down the left field line. Valencia scored to bring the Bruins to within two.

A Whitworth run in the top of the eighth ended the scoring as the Pirates pulled away in the conference matchup.

Top Performers:

Muenster led the Bruin offense in this one, going three for four at the plate with an RBI. Valencia chipped in an RBI of his own to add to the scoring.

What It Means:

The Bruins move to 4-8 in conference and 5-12 overall.

What Comes Next:

The Bruins travel to Whitman next Saturday for an afternoon double-header with game one set for 12:00pm and game two set for 2:00pm.