McPHERSON, Kan. — Blake Maddock tied his career-high, striking out eleven batters, as the McPherson College Bulldogs knocked off the (RV) Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes Friday (Mar. 17) in game one of the series at Bulldog Park.
Maddock was dealing early on, striking out five consecutive batters after hitting the leadoff batter. He finished his day throwing seven innings while allowing just three hits and one run.
"The pitching staff was outstanding today!" co-interim head coach Andrew Pratt said. "Blake Maddock had a great start, and Noah Carpenter and Matt Whitney came out in relief and pitched exceptionally as well. 16 strikeouts out of the pitching staff is quite the feat."
Dustin Sipe gave the Coyotes the lead with a solo homer in the top of the fourth, and Kansas Wesleyan was threatening more, but Maddock fanned the final two batters to hold the Coyotes to a 1-0 lead.
That's when the Bulldogs' offense caught fire. Gage Ninness got things started with a leadoff triple in the next half-inning that drifted into the right-field corner and later scored. Then Hunter Robinson singled through the left side to bring home pinch runner JT Edmunds.
Andres Artola, Jr. joined in with an RBI double down the left-field line that stayed just fair.
But the Bulldogs weren't done yet when Caleb Feuerstake homered over the right-field wall, then James Canar added to it with a two-run blast.
Matt Whitney struck out two in the top of the ninth to seal the 6-1 victory.
"The home runs by Caleb and James were crucial in extending the lead late," Pratt said. "We hope to get some good rest tomorrow, and come out ready to win the series on Sunday."
The Bulldogs (15-8, 8-1 KCAC) finished with six runs on seven hits with no errors, while the Coyotes (19-7, 7-2 KCAC) finished with five hits.
The teams will resume the series on Sunday (Mar. 19) for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
