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ABILENE, Texas – La Verne took advantage of five George Fox errors and Scott Marcus drove in four runs as the Leopards eliminated the Bruins with an 11-6 victory at Walt Driggers Field in day two of the NCAA Division III West Region Championships. The Leopards were behind 4-0 before outscoring the No. 2-seeded Bruins 11-2 in the final six innings.

Marcus knocked in a 3-run homer in the third inning to start off the scoring for La Verne, then the Leopards put up two in the fifth, four in the sixth and two in the eighth to complete the offensive attack. La Verne starter Jesse Sweet scattered six hits and allowed four runs, however, it was Jimmy Wilfong who picked up the win in relief to move to 6-2 on the year. Wilfong threw three innings, allowed just one hit, two runs, walked two and struck out two.

Grant Wheatley shut the door on the Bruins by retiring the final four GFU batters in order including two strikeouts. The Bruins’ Todd Siler did all he could to keep his team in the mix by homering twice and driving in four runs. However, the Bruins’ errors proved costly as only five of La Verne’s 11 runs were earned.

Mark Putney allowed 11 hits over six innings and surrendered nine runs (five earned) while striking out four. Nick Hedgecock and Preston Langeliers combined for the final two innings of relief; each allowed one hit and one unearned run.

George Fox’s season ends with a 28-14 record while La Verne will move on to Friday with its opponent to be decided by game five and six Thursday.