PORTLAND, Ore. -- One day after being eliminated from playoff contention, the Bruins struggled offensively for most of the game, nearly mounting an impressing ninth inning comeback in their 5-2 loss to the Lewis & Clark Pioneers. 

How It Happened
After blanking the Pios in the first inning, Fox starter Ben Wills gave up two runs in the second inning as the Bruins fell behind. Wills would be taken out after the third, and the Pioneers added one more run in the fourth. Two more runs in the sixth came from the Pios after a lengthy rain delay — a fitting goodbye from Oregon weather to the Bruins – extended the Bruins' deficit to 5-0. 

The Bruins struggled at bringing baserunners home throughout the game, leaving eight runners on base, but Fox had a chance to right those wrongs in an eventful ninth inning. After a walk, Jeremy Sangalang singled to move the runner to second, with another walk loading the bases. Jared Whitaker then literally took one for the team, getting hit by the Pioneers' pitcher and scoring a run. With the bases loaded, Jonathan Stone hit a sacrifice fly that scored a run. 

Jared Miller drew a walk to load the bases once again, this time with two outs. The Bruins grounded out to second, ending the game and the season with a 5-2 loss.  Fox did manage to out-hit the Pioneers on the day, picking up eight hits to the Pios' seven; however, the stranded base runners made it difficult to score runs.

Top Performances
Matthew Sebolsky picked up two hits with one double, while Jeremy Sangalang went 2-2 with a double and a run. Jonathan Stone went 1-3 with an RBI sacrifice fly. 

Coach's Thoughts
"Really proud of the fight this team showed all season," Bruin coach Kevin Kopple said, "Thankful for our seniors and all our guys.  The best is yet to come for them."

What It Means
George Fox ends their season with a record of 15-21 (9-15 NWC). Fox was hurt by the loss of NWC freshman of the year Noah Meffert, who went down in the first half of the season after an arm injury led to Tommy John surgery. The team battled around .500 the entire season, with a late 7-3 push giving the team a shot at making the playoffs in the final weekend.