FOREST GROVE, Ore. --- George Fox baseball was eliminated from the 2022 Northwest Conference Tournament on Saturday, Apr. 23, after taking a 2-0 loss to no. 4 seed Pacific Lutheran.

How It Happened

Coach Kevin Kopple gave the ball to Travis Miller again in a must-win situation and the junior gave Fox a chance with a great start through six and a third. The converted catcher struck out six and scattered seven hits through his outing, giving up just two runs to a heavy-hitting Lutes unit. Andrew Sutherland and Alex Abbott worked the last two and two thirds to close the game and keep things close.

As good as the Bruins' pitching was, the Lutes' was better. Locked in a pitchers' duel and needing everything they could get with a depleted bullpen, the Pacific Lutheran starter went all nine innings and held Fox to just five hits while striking out six and giving up two walks in a shutout performance.

Fox got runners to second base five times but could not push them in, ending their year with the 2-0 shutout loss.

Top Performances

While it was not in a season-extending win, the Bruins have found a reliable starter in Miller. Miller's last two starts of the 2022 season have been his best, as the junior right-hander went a combined 12.1 innings with only two runs allowed in that stretch. Jared Gee was 2-4 at the plate and Jared Miller was 1-2 with a walk.

What It Means

Fox falls to 20-21 on the year in its season-ending matchup with the Lutes and has split the series, 2-2, with PLU after winning the regular season meetings, 2-1. Fox has another year of experience for its young team and returns all but its three seniors for the 2023 season next year.