CRETE, Neb. — The McPherson College Bulldogs ran their winning streak to eight games Tuesday (Mar. 14), knocking off the No. 24-ranked Doane University Tigers 4-1 in game one before falling 7-2 in the nightcap in Crete, Neb.
Darby Gilbert got the call on the hill for the Bulldogs in the opener and threw his best game of the season, dealing five scoreless innings with just one hit allowed while striking out a career-high six batters.
The Bulldogs loaded the bases in the opening frame, managing to scratch across a pair of runs. An RBI single by Hunter Robinson made it a 1-0 Bulldog advantage, then Kevinn Castillo reached on a fielder's choice to bring home the second run of the inning.
Caleb Feuerstake tacked on one more in the second inning following a single down the first base line that scored Dawson Walters, then another RBI single by Robinson through the right side concluded the scoring for the Bulldogs.
The Tigers threatened in the bottom of the sixth when Jack Tillman singled to right-center field, scoring their lone run of the game.
Game two started similarly to the opener, with the Bulldogs grabbing a two-run lead after the top half of the first inning, but this time the Tigers had an answer.
Gage Ninness reached base with a hit-by-pitch, then Feuerstake moved him to third with a double to left field. Ninness scored on a passed ball, and Feuerstake added to the total scoring on a throwing error.
But from there it was all Tigers, scoring two in the bottom of the first, three in the third, and two in the fifth to secure the win.
The Bulldogs return home on Saturday (Mar. 18), weather permitting, for a doubleheader against Kansas Wesleyan.
