By: Alex Plusquellec

NEWBERG, Ore. --- Sam Swenson and AJ Valencia each turned in 3 for 5 days at the plate while Alex Jondal struck out seven as the George Fox baseball team completed the sweep of Pacific University on Sunday with an 8-4 victory.

Recap:

The Bruins threw up three runs in the bottom of the second inning, set up after Dillon Blankenship was hit by a pitch and Houston Thom drew a walk.

A throwing error by the Boxers allowed Blankenship to score and gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead. In the next at-bat, Austin Baek doubled to center, driving in Thom and adding another run. The Bruins picked up their third run of the inning on an RBI groundout by Jerred Seamons.

The Bruins were back at it in the third. Matt Voelzke singled to center, scoring Swenson, and Thom's groundout was enough to bring home Kyler Brudwick and the Bruins extended their lead to 5-0.

The Bruins and Boxers put up three straight scoreless innings and in the seventh it was Pacific who put together a big inning, scoring four to cut the Bruins' lead to one.

Zach Stouder entered in the eighth and kept the Boxers quiet on his way to another dominant showing.  

Kyle Esquerra led off the bottom of the eighth with a single, helping to shift the momentum back in favor of the Bruins. After back to back walks to load the bases, Valencia roped a double to right center, scoring two. Swenson's single in the very next at-bat brought home Seamons, and the Bruins regained an 8-4 lead.

Stouder recorded his second save of the year and the Bruins completed the series sweep with the 8-4 win.

Top Performers:

Jondal continued his dominant start to the year. The senior improved to 3-0 and leads the Bruin starters with a 1.74 earned run average. The top of the lineup led the way on Sunday as Valencia drove in two while Seamons and Swenson each recorded an RBI.

What It Means:

After a big conference sweep, the Bruins are showing no signs of slowing down. They now sit at 14-3 overall and 8-1 in the NWC.

What Comes Next:

The Bruins will hit the road next weekend for a big series against the Whitworth Pirates. First pitch of Saturday's doubleheader is set for 11 a.m.