Tyson Smith scored as part of one of Linfield's multiple three-run rallies. Photo by Pat Coleman, D3sports.com

By Jim Dixon, D3sports.com

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. -- The Linfield Wildcats continued their hot hitting with a 25-11 win over Cortland State in the first of the winners bracket games played Saturday at Fox Cities Stadium.

"We are happy to be in this position, to get the first couple of games and to beat a strong team out here tonight," said Wildcats coach Scott Brosius. "We swung the bats well tonight, got the lead, and continued to add on."

Cortland drew first blood in the first when Andersen Gardner homered over the right field fence. Jason Simone's single past shortstop extened his hitting streak to 20 games.

Linfield would take the lead in the second with a three run rally. Zach Boskovich singled past the third base bag and a walk to Mitch Webb moved him to second. A single by Ryan Larson brought Boskovich in with the first run. Evenson was hit to load the bases and a walk to Tyson Smith scored the second run. Dustin Smith's ground out scored the final run of the inning.

Cortland tied the game in the third. Matt June's fly into short left was misplayed by the shortstop allowing June on base. Two batters later Gardner sent a second ball over the right field for his second home run of the game.

"Gardner is simply one of the best players in the country," said Cortland head coach Joe Brown. "I have yet to see a young man that can play in that kind of pressure."

Linfield came right back to answer the Red Dragons. Two singles by Cory Bixenman and Boskovich set plate for Webb who belted Linfield's first home run of the series to give the Wildcats a 6-3 lead. The Wildcats continue to add to their score with a three-run fourth.

"We feel good as a team," said Linfield third baseman Dustin Smith. Shortsop Kelson Brown added, "We came into this tournament feeling confident. Good things seem to be happening to us so far."

Cortland got three runs back. June doubled to lead off the inning and Garret Dorn, pitching around Gardner, hit him with a pitch. Steve Nickel scored both players with his first home run of the tournament to left field.

Linfield added four runs in the fifth, two in the sixth giving Linfield a 15-6 advantage. After Cortland plated a run in the seventh, Linfield scored eight runs in the bottom of the inning to put the game out of reach. Cortland scored four runs in the ninth to complete the scoring.

"Our kids sensed it was over when Linfield was scoring their 17th or 18th run, said Brown. "They still went out and put a four spot in the ninth. Unfortunately, two teams went home and one was not us. We are optimistic that anything can happen."