NEWBERG, Ore. – The George Fox baseball team put together a fiery display of resilience in a rain -oaked series opener against the Whitworth Pirates, keeping their NWC playoff hopes with the 1-0 win.
How It Happened
George Fox struck first in the wet matchup, driving home the lone run of the game in the second inning — a double from Johnathan Stone was followed by a sacrifice bunt laid down by
Bleu Ellis to score Stone.
The Bruins had all the offensive momentum, outhitting the Pirates, 6-1, through the first six innings. Bringing in runs proved difficult, though, as neither team was able to score any more runners; turning the game into a pitcher's duel. Bruin starter
Caleb Debban was clinical for George Fox, allowing just one hit through the first six innings to shut out the Whitworth offense completely.
The game did heat up in the seventh inning, as the Pirates put two runners on base with two outs; one of which was in scoring position. A single threatened to bring in the tying run, but a monster throw from the outfield from
Jeremy Sangalang to Jared Whittaker saw Fox get out of the inning ahead, in what would prove to be a huge moment in the game.
Closer
Ryder Edwards came in during the eighth inning and picked up right where Debban left off, holding the Pirates to no hits in both the eighth and ninth to finish the game and give the Bruins a crucial win, 1-0.
Top Performances
Jonathan Stone led the way for the Bruins offensively, hitting 2-3 with a double on a day which saw seven different batters record a hit.
Bleu Ellis drove in the single run of the game, while ending the day 1-2. On the mound,
Caleb Debban earned the win, allowing just three hits and striking out four batters in his seven innings pitched, while
Ryder Edwards picked up the two-out save.
What It Means
The Bruins improve to 21-16 (10-11 NWC) on the year, while Whitworth now sits at 24-12 (12-10 NWC).
What Comes Next
Fox will need to win the final two games of the series on Sunday and secure their spot in the NWC Tournament with a sweep. The first pitch for the doubleheader is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
