MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – Another strong start from Linfield proved to be enough to hand the University of Puget Sound baseball team its first series loss of the season. The Loggers (11-10, 9-3 NWC) stranded 12 runners on base in the game and did not break on to the scoreboard until the eighth inning.

The Wildcats (18-6, 12-3 NWC) scored seven runs over the first two frames to take an early, commanding lead. Four of those seven runs were unearned on the Loggers starter Nathan Aguiar as the Loggers committed an error in each of the first two innings.

Aguiar tossed five innings before being relieved by Cam Duvall. Duvall held Linfield at bay through three innings, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out one. Linfield also pushed across one run in the eighth against Duvall.

Evan Hillberg earned the win on the mound as he scattered four hits and allowed three walks through six innings. Hillberg continually worked his way out of jams as the Loggers put at least runner on base in every inning except the fifth.

The Loggers finally broke through in the eighth inning when Will Mentor singled in Chaz Kramer from second base.

With the win, the Wildcats take over possession of first place from the Loggers in the NWC standings. The Loggers will look to rebound when they host George Fox next weekend for a three-game series.