McMinnville, Ore: Division III's No. 1 team looked to close out a perfect 8-0 record over spring break in the final game against Linfield University. The Big Red took down the Wildcats in the first two games in 8-4 and 6-1 decisions. The third game would be no different, as the Big Red would down Linfield in a tight 2-1 victory to move to 14-1 on the season and collect its 13th straight win. Erik Sundgren would add another homer to his total, and Devin Parker would tally his second career win on the mound. The Wildcats drop to 12-7 after the loss

No. 1 Denison 2, Linfield 1

The Linfield defense would hold the Big Red bats to zero in the first inning for the first time in the three-game series. Senior Robbie Lee would earn his fourth start and fifth appearance of the season on the mound for Denison. The righty would strike out two and strand one runner in his first inning of work.

In the second inning, the two teams would stand strong defensively. The Big Red would be held scoreless in the top half before Lee would strand two Wildcat runners to head into the third inning knotted at 0-0.

After a scoreless third inning, Erik Sundgren would break the seal in the top of the fourth with a no-doubt solo home run that landed on the lacrosse field over the right field wall to take a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the frame, Linfield would find a spark but it would be extinguished by Lee who struck out two batters to end the inning and preserve the 1-0 lead. 

In the top of the fifth, a new arm from the Linfield bullpen would record a three-up, three-down inning. Lee would respond with another shutout inning of his own to keep the Denison lead at 1-0.

After a scoreless frame in the top of the sixth, Robbie Lee would retire on the mound after 5.0 innings of the work. First-year Devin Parker would come out of the bullpen in relief. The Wildcats would take quick advantage of the pitching change. The first batter of the inning would reach on a base hit before Parker would retire back-to-back batters. Linfield would work runners into scoring position before a base hit would knit the game at one all. In the following at bat, the opponents would load the bases before Parker would escape the jam with a rollover groundout to Vega at second to end the inning tied at 1-1.

The seventh and eighth innings would be masterful defensive showings, as Parker and the Linfield arm would trade shutout innings.

In the top of the ninth, Kuyper Lashutka reached on error to give the Big Red its first base runner. Nate Lloyd would pinch run before Kelly Crittenberger would put Lloyd into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. With one out, Andrew Fazio would lace a single into right field to score the go ahead run to give the Big Red a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the ninth, Parker would return for his fourth inning of work. After two quick putouts, the Wildcats would put the tying run on first with a powerful single into left field. However, Parker would force a high popout to second to seal the victory.

Sundgren continued his offensive run with a 1-2 performance at the dish with a home run, two walks, and another intentional walk. Crittenberger was the lone player to record multiple hits. Fazio scored the go ahead run in the top of the ninth to secure the win. The lineup would record six total hits.

Defensively, Lee would last 5.0 innings, strikeout four, and allow zero runs. Out of relief, Parker would be credited with the win after 4.0 innings and three strikeouts. The defense would play perfect defense behind the duo, recording zero errors.

Up Next: The Big Red will return to Granville, Ohio, after eight games in nine days for Spring Break. Denison will host its home opener on Thursday, March 26, at 5 p.m. against Muskingum University.