MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University baseball won the series opener handily and needed to come through in the final at-bat in game two to sweep a doubleheader from Concordia-Portland on Saturday afternoon at WOU Baseball Field.
 
In game one, sophomore Brady Miller pitched eight strong innings in an 11-1 win over the Cavaliers. Miller allowed one run on three hits, walked two and struck out six to move his record to 6-0 on the season.
 
The Wolves (16-13, 11-8 GNAC) scored multiple runs in four innings, including a four-run first. Nathan Etheridge singled home a pair with a single and Kyle Vanderkin brought home another two with a triple.
 
Vanderkin and Jay Leverett lifted back-to-back home runs in leading off the sixth inning.
 
Brandon Oliver finished the game 3-for-5 with two runs scored and one driven in. Vanderkin went 3-for-4 with four RBI while Etheridge concluded with three runs knocked in.
 
The Wolves outhit the Cavaliers (10-20, 8-12 GNAC) 12 to three in handing pitcher Gerhett Moser is fifth loss of the season.
 
In the nightcap, the Wolves led 4-3 heading into the top of the seventh inning, but allowed the game tying run in the top half.
 
Responding to the CU equalizer, Oliver lined a single to right-center to set the stage for Trevor Podratz. On a 1-2 count, the WOU designated hitter lined a double to left field allowing Oliver to score all the way from first with the game-winning run.
 
Jacob Fricke earned the win in relief going 2/3 innings with a strikeout. Garrett Alvarez struck out seven over 6 1/3 frames in a no-decision.
 
Oliver, Podratz and Cody Sullivan each had two hits in the middle of the lineup helping WOU take the hit battle 10 to six.
 
Austin Hadley went the distance for the Cavaliers, allowing five runs on 10 hits in dropping his first decision of the year.
 
The two teams will conclude their four-game series Sunday with a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.