Bruins Open Season With Win Over Kingsmen

George Fox is now 1-0, while Cal Lutheran falls to 2-4.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

ANTHEM, Ariz. - Right-hander Nick Bratney went six strong innings and Dan Wentzell keyed the offense with three hits, leading the George Fox University Bruins to a 6-3 win over the California Lutheran University Kingsmen in the opening game of the 2007 Arizona Desert Classic Thursday afternoon at the Boulder Creek High School varsity field.

Bratney (1-0) started and did not allow a run through the first five innings before tiring in the 6th.

Lefty Nick Hedgecock worked the 7th, allowing the Kingsmen’s final run, before Jeff Wheeler went a scoreless inning and Josh Burch closed the game with a 1-2-3 9th, striking out the final two hitters to claim his first save.

The Bruin staff did not walk anyone, and the defense played flawlessly behind them.

Southpaw Josh Gagne (1-1) took the loss for CLU.

The Bruins scored two runs in the 1st, 4th, and 7th innings, with the lefty-swinging Wentzell doing the most damage, going 3-4 with a double and 3 RBI.

Lead-off man Drew Johnson was 2-3 with two walks, a steal, and two runs scored.

Daniel Downs slugged a triple, and Pat Bailey hit a double and drove in a pair.

George Fox is now 1-0, while Cal Lutheran falls to 2-4.

The Bruins take on the University of Redlands Friday at 2:00 PM at the BCHS junior varsity field.

Cal Lutheran meets Pacific Lutheran University at2:00 PM Saturday at the varsity field.

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