Photo by Junior Silva
McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College baseball team was back on their diamond on Tuesday, hosting the Sterling College Warriors for the second game of their three game midweek series. The Bulldogs showed no signs of a letdown after their big series win this past weekend over 12th ranked Ottawa University, defeating the Warriors 12-2 in seven innings.
The environmental conditions out at Bulldog Park on Tuesday were less than ideal for everyone except the Bulldog hitters. With the wind blowing straight out to left field in speeds over 25 mph, the Bulldogs took advantage and sent the baseball over the fence six times. In all, the offense finished with 11 hits, eight of them going for extra bases. Gage Ninness, Trevor Johnson, and James Canar led the Bulldog offense with multiple hits. Ninness was perfect on the day going 2 for 2 with a triple and two runs scored. Johnson also had a perfect day at the plate, finishing 3 for 3 with two homeruns and five RBI. Canar rounded out the multi-hit performances going 2 for 3 with two solo homeruns. The other extra base hits included a triple by Caleb Feuerstake, and homeruns by Hunter Robinson and Kevinn Castillo.
On the mound, the Bulldogs used a committee approach, using five arms in the seven innings played. Drake Miller got the start and pitched the first three innings. He held the Warriors scoreless, scattering three hits, striking out six and walking none. He didn't pitch enough innings to factor in the decision, instead that honor fell to Isaiah Vasquez who worked the fourth inning out of the bullpen. Also getting in an inning of work out of the pen were Alex Amaral, Darby Gilbert, and Will Roman.
Tuesday's game with the Warriors was the second of the three game series. The Bulldogs took game one three weeks ago, and with win in game two, have secured the series. The two teams will play game three at Sterling on April 19.
Coach MacKinnon commented on the win saying, "It's good to seal another conference series. On the mound we continued to develop the depth we need to win big games down the stretch, with nice bounce back outings from Drake Miller and Darby Gilbert. Offensively we put the pressure on from the get-go. We let off the pedal a little late, something that we will look to clean up."
With the win, the Bulldogs are now 24-6 overall on the season, and 13-2 in KCAC play. They will be back in action this weekend in a three game series at Avila University Saturday and Sunday. The Bulldogs and Eagles will play a double header on Saturday starting at 1:00 and then wrap up the series on Sunday with a single nine inning game at the same time.
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