Photo by Micah Gilbert
McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College baseball team started off KCAC play in a big way on Saturday, taking the first two games of a three game series with the University of St. Mary Spires. The Bulldogs outscored the Spires 39-9, winning the series opener 29-0 and then taking game two, 10-9.
With a stiff south wind blowing out to left center field, Bulldog Park was a launching pad in game one. The Bulldogs hit eight homeruns including three from Kyle Lux (Sr. Lewes, Del.), who now has 12 on the year, tying the Bulldog record for homeruns in a season, two by Malik Bond (Jr. Macon, Ga.), grand slams by both Jakob Shields (Sr. DeSoto, Kan.) and Jonah Shabry (Jr. Boulder Creek, Calif.), and a two run shot by James Canar (So. Longmont, Colo.)
In all, they belted out 20 hits, led by Bond, who was 4 for 4, along with Lux and Trevor Johnson (Jr. San Diego, Calif.) who both went 3 for 5. Shield and Shabry both finished with a pair of hits as did Marcus McDaniel (Jr. McPherson, Kan.). Lux led the team in RBI, finishing with seven.
On the mound for the Bulldogs in game 1 was Dylan Marble (Sr. Danville, Ill.). He got off to a little bit of a shaky start, getting the first out, but then hitting the next batter and walking the next on four straight pitches. After that he settled down and started throwing darts. He had a no hitter going through four innings before it was broken up by the first batter of the fifth inning. He ended up throwing a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits and accumulating seven strikeouts.
The second game looked like it would be a continuation of the opener, at least offensively. The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead and appeared to be cruising to another easy win. This time however, USM didn't roll over. They chipped away at the Bulldog lead and were within one, 7-6 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning.
In the Bulldogs' half of the fifth, they pushed the lead back out to four giving themselves a little breathing room. The Bulldog coaching staff went to the pen in the top of the sixth, bringing in their closer, Jarrod Manick (Sr. Aldergrove, B.C.) for an opportunity for a six out save. Things didn't go exactly as planned, and the Spires got to Manick scoring three runs and pulling back to within one of the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs went to the pen again and brought in Brett Carter (Sr. Sachse, Texas). Carter set down the four batters he faced in order earning himself the save, securing the win for Charles Munn (Jr. Roseville, Calif.) the Bulldog starter.
Offensively Lux and Johnson paced the Dogs in game two. Johnson was perfect from the dish, going 3 for 3 with a three run home run and four RBI. Lux was seeing the ball like it was a beach ball being thrown at him. He went 3 for 4 with a double and three more RBI. Kris Perez (Jr. Miramar, Fla.) also had a multi-hit game. From the leadoff spot, he went 2 of 3 with a walk and three runs scored.
With the wins, the Bulldogs are now 14-4 and 2-0 to start KCAC play. They will finish the series with the Spires in a single nine inning game on Sunday starting at 1 p.m. out at Bulldog Park.
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