NEWBERG, Ore. --- The Bruins and Boxers played two games that could not have been any less alike in a doubleheader on Friday, Apr. 15. Game one featured big hits and multi-run homers, while game two was a low-scoring, extra-innings nailbiter from beginning to end with a walkoff Bruin extra-base knock.
Game One
The Bruins were unable to overcome a mammoth third inning for the Boxers and chased the rest of the way after the Boxers batted through the lineup and got two grand slams in a single frame. A two-run shot in the fourth and three more insurance runs in the ninth made it a 14-3 final in favor of the Boxers. Five home runs left ball park in game one, with a two-run shot for Jared Gee in the eighth and four other for the Boxers.
Game Two
Fans in attendance were treated to a pitching battle and a defensive clinic in game two of the doubleheader as both sides went up and down the order through eight scoreless innings. Travis Miller made the start and was able to cruise through six innings with four hits, four walks, and six strikeouts, pitching his way out of trouble multiple times to preserve the shutout bid. Andrew Sutherland came on to start the seventh and made it through two frames and a third before giving up a two-run shot to center field, and Alex Abbott finished the game with two outs via the strikeout in the ninth.
Fox was able to level the score with a no-doubt homer pulled out over the left field fence by Matthew Sebolsky, plating pinch-runner Breyndon Nakamura to tie the game in the ninth, but the Boxers were able to wiggle off the hook and force extra innings.
Noah Meffert entered to pitch the 10th and dropped the Bruins to a straight-nine lineup, allowing the Boxers to load the bases first before striking out the side. Fox finished the extra-innings nailbiter with a walkoff laser down the left field line from Brandon King as the junior shortstop snapped a hitting slump with the timeliest of knocks for a 3-2 walkoff win. King was mobbed before he could reach second, turning a potential double into a long, loud, and much-celebrated single in the official book.
Top Performances
Meffert made multiple web-gem plays in the outfield all day before pitching late in his fifth career win out of the bullpen, Sebolsky's game-tying homer was crucial, King's timely double merits a nod here, and Gee hit his first homer since a freshman-year inside-the-park knock on the 2020 Texas roadtrip. Jeremy Sangalang also deserves a shoutout for flashing the leather repeatedly at third base with multiple diving stops and strikes to first for 5-3 putouts.
Coach's Thoughts
"We got a great start out of Travis when we needed it," coach Kevin Kopple said. "That was an unbelievable resilient effort to win the game with our backs against the wall and a couple big swings late. We love to have something to play for tomorrow."
What It Means
Fox stays level at .500 at 19-19 overall and is 12-11 in conference, while Pacific drops to 23-11 in 2022 and is now 14-9 in conference. The Bruins are still mathematically eligible for the NWC postseason with the win and will need a victory tomorrow to stay postseason-eligible.
Up Next
Fox faces Pacific to decide the series and will celebrate its three seniors following the final out of the game tomorrow. The first pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm.
