MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — The Puget Sound Loggers faced the McMinnville Wildcats today in the first two of three weekend games in Oregon, splitting on the day.
Makana Murashige set the tone early for the Loggers, reaching base three times and scoring twice. After Puget Sound scored first in the first inning, Linfield answered with three quick runs, highlighted by a two-run home run down the left field line in the third inning.
The middle innings were defined by sharp pitching and defensive grit. Charlie Decker delivered a solid start for Puget Sound, tossing six innings while allowing four runs and striking out four. Although Decker gave up some hard contact, he kept the Loggers within striking distance.
The breakthrough came in the sixth. After Murashige's leadoff single and a pair of Linfield errors, Puget Sound capitalized. Ryan Spero drove in a run with a fielder's choice, and Jim O'Brien followed with a clutch two-run double down the right-field line to knot the score at four.
With momentum swinging, reliever Ethan Rattie (2-1) entered in the seventh and delivered two critical shutout innings. Rattie faced just eight batters and fanned one without issuing a walk, keeping the Wildcats off balance.
Pinch-hitter Matt Churchill provided the decisive blow in the ninth. With Preston Crockett standing on second after a double, Churchill blasted a two-run home run over the left-field fence, putting Puget Sound ahead 6–4. Closer Zach Robman shut the door in the ninth, needing only three batters to secure the win. Robman struck out one and induced two routine outs to seal a victory for the Loggers.
In game two, the tide turned in favor of the home squad. Starter Cal Johnson opened with two scoreless innings, striking out three without allowing a hit. However, momentum shifted sharply in the third when Preston Crockett took the mound. A walk-heavy inning and a wild pitch allowed Linfield to plate the game's first two runs.
Offensively, the Loggers struggled to find consistent rhythm against Linfield's Jake Swenson. Swenson dominated, tossing a complete-game five-hitter with 15 strikeouts and zero walks. His efficiency kept the Puget Sound offense stifled for most of the afternoon.
Makana Murashige was a bright spot, tallying two hits and flashing quick hands at third base. Ryan Spero added a pair of singles, including one in the ninth inning that led to Puget Sound's lone run. Matt Churchill chipped in with a hit and later scored after Linfield committed an error at first base.
On the mound, the Loggers deployed a committee approach behind Johnson. Despite clean innings from Leyton Pfingston and Logan Cindric, mid-game struggles proved costly. Crockett surrendered three runs in two innings, while Evan Batalucco gave up two more, including Lewis' homer.
The Loggers will look to rebound quickly, with a single remaining game this weekend; first pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.
