The Linfield baseball team traveled to play in a four-game series Feb. 16 through Feb. 19 in Anthem, Ariz.
Entering his fifth season as head coach of the baseball team, Scott Brosius once again leads his team toward the goal of reaching the Division III World Series.
The first game of the season was a successful one.
After going down by two in the first inning, the ’Cats returned fire and scored six runs throughout the game, including a home run by senior Zach Boskovich.
The Linfield Wildcats won their first game 6-2 against McMurray State from Abilene, Texas.
The second game against Claremont-Mudd-Scrippis on Feb. 18 was a hard fought game, but in the end, the ’Cats lost their first game of the season 3-5.
Senior Robert Vaughn started the second game and looked impressive after returning from a mid-season injury last year.
“In 2009, I had Tommy John surgery and also tweaked my arm mid- season of last year,” Vaughn said.
The baseball team responded in its next game against Sul Ross State University. Linfield brought out the bats and scored an outstanding 21 runs to Sul Ross’ 2 runs.
Sophomore pitcher Zach Brandon started the game for the ’Cats.
“I’m refining my mechanics and playing with different grips,” Brandon said.
He said he also enjoys the fact that the coaches are aware that it’s the beginning of the season and are not letting the pitchers get to a high pitch count early in the season.
Brandon was followed by senior pitcher Jacob Nolte and freshman pitcher Chris Haddeland Feb. 18.
Haddeland had a strong start for his Linfield debut.
The Wildcats faced their final challenge of the week against California Lutheran University on Feb. 19.
Senior Zach Manley started the game pitching for the ’Cats and threw six scoreless innings.
Senior pitcher Spencer Crepeaux came in as relief . Two unearned runs were scored in the eighth inning.
After hitting a batter in the ninth with one out, Crepeaux was relieved by sophomore Garett Speyer who got the last two outs and finished the game by striking out the last batter to end the threat in the top of the ninth inning.
The Wildcats won the game 3-2.
One impressive defensive play was done by Manley and company. There was a bunt back to the pitcher’s mound and Manley bare handed the ball threw a bullet to second, which allowed shortstop sophomore Kenny Johnson to fire the ball to first for a double-play.
Kicking off the season with a good start, the Linfield baseball team came out of its Arizona tournament with three of its four games.
The Wildcats’ next game is against Lewis & Clark University at 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at home.
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Carson Crepeaux/ Staff writer
Carson Crepeaux can be reached at [email protected].
