Wagner Smacks a 2- Run Homer to Right Center in Loss to Loggers

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University led 2-0 after three innings, but the University of Puget Sound plated five runs in the fourth inning and five more in the sixth, as the Loggers defeated the Bearcats, 17-6, at John Lewis Field on Saturday, March 5. Puget Sound improved to 8-6 on the season, 5-4 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette slipped to 5-6 overall, 3-4 in the NWC.

WU starting pitcher Layton Wagner (Jr., RHP/UT, Boise, ID/Timberline HS) held the Loggers to just one hit in the first three innings, but Puget Sound earned five runs on three hits in the top of the fourth. Wagner completed the fourth inning before giving way to Chase Banks (Fy., RHP, Visalia, CA/Redwood HS) on the mound, but remained in the game as Willamette's designated hitter. Wagner blasted a two-run homer to right center field in the sixth inning. Ethan Fischel (Sr., SS, Eureka, CA/Eureka HS), who walked to open the inning, also scored on the play.

The home run pulled the Bearcats within 10-4, but Willamette was unable to get closer, as the Loggers tacked on four runs in the top of the seventh.

Willamette scored its final two runs in the bottom of the eighth. Ryan Whithorn (Grad., INF, Claremont, CA/The Webb School/Chaffey College) and Trey Topping (Fy., C, Valencia, CA/West Ranch HS) opened the stanza with back-to-back singles. Whithorn crossed the plate on an RBI single from Jonny Suchor (Jr., LF, Boulder, CO/Boulder HS). Topping moved to third on the hit by Suchor, and then scored on an error by the catcher. Puget Sound completed the scoring with three runs in the ninth.

The Loggers' five-run fourth inning began with a solo homer by Dylan Joyce to right center. Shane Himeda batted next and was hit by a pitch. Himeda stole second base before Jacob Ota walked. With one out, Makana Murashige drove in Joyce with a single to right center. The other three runs were scored with two outs.

In the later innings, the big hit for the Loggers was a 3-run double to left center in the eighth frame by Himeda. For the game, Himeda was 2 of 4 with his double, one run, and four RBIs. Ota and Murashige each finished with two hits for Puget Sound, while Cody Hirano was 1 of 4 with a run scored and four RBIs.

Wagner went 2 of 3 at the plate for the Bearcats with his 2-run homer. Ethan Dunnam (Jr., C, El Cajon, CA/Valhalla HS) of WU was 2 of 4 with an RBI. The Bearcats outhit the Loggers, 10-9, but Puget Sound walked nine times compared to four walks for the Bearcats.

Relief pitcher Henry Baker of Puget Sound earned the win and improved to 1-1. He struck out six batters in fourth innings, but allowed six hits and four runs (three earned) while walking one batter. Wagner fell to 0-2 with the loss after giving up five runs and four hits. He registered four strikeouts and allowed one walk.

The Bearcats will host the Loggers in two more games on Sunday, March 6. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. (PST).