Pacific freshman Nicholas Saelens made a strong impression on the mound during the Boxers’ 5-2 victory over Linfield. He dominated for over eight innings, only allowing two hits before Hunter Edwards stepped in to finish the job with one out left in the ninth.
Saelens didn’t let a hit slip by until the fifth inning, recording five strikeouts and three walks in his first collegiate victory. This performance showcased his potential as a promising young talent.
Pacific quickly built a 3-0 lead in the early innings. Freshman Javin Hamura set the tone by walking to start the first inning. He stole second and scored on a ground ball hit by Davis Koester. Then, during the second inning, Benjamin Lewis crossed the plate after Nathaniel Chapman was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Hamura brought in another run with another ground ball.
The Boxers scored twice more in the seventh, solidifying their lead and ultimately sealing the game.
In another thrilling matchup earlier, Pacific battled Linfield for 12 intense innings before catching their first win of the 2025 season with a score of 3-2. The game was tense, with Linfield leading until the bottom of the eighth when Koester tied it up with an RBI double. In the 12th, Matthew Pavao hit the walk-off single that brought in Riz Collado.
However, game two saw Linfield bounce back with a 7-5 victory. They scored heavily in the sixth and seventh innings, taking a substantial lead. Although Pacific rallied late with three runs in the ninth, it wasn’t enough.
Looking at current trends, college baseball is gaining more attention, with statistics showing a rise in viewership and fan engagement on social media platforms. According to a recent study by the NCAA, college baseball viewership has increased by 15% in the last year alone. Fans are engaging more on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, showcasing highlights and celebrating impressive player performances.
Pacific will face Pacific Lutheran on March 22-23. After that, they will return home for a series against Whitworth on March 29-30.
For the latest updates on Pacific Athletics, check out their official site and follow them on social media.
Check out this related article: Oregon State Shines on Day One at the Arizona Intercollegiate: Highlights & Insights from OSU Athletics
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