McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson College braved the elements late in the back half of the doubleheader Saturday (Mar. 25) to pick up a gritty walk-off victory and remain unbeaten at Bulldog Park. The Bulldogs took game one over Bethany 4-0, then used a huge fourth inning to come back and win 12-11.
Trailing 8-1 heading into the fourth, Kevinn Castillo scored on a single by Caleb Feuerstake. Then Antonio Fernandez launched a three-run homer to trim the lead to 8-5.
But the Bulldogs weren't done there, thanks to a two-run blast by Hayden Foster bringing them within one run.
That's when the rain began to fall, and with it came more runs. McPherson added two more in the fifth and another in the sixth, after Tyler Norris struck out the side, to take a 10-8 edge. But the Swedes wouldn't go quietly, plating three runs in the top of the seventh to lead 11-10.
Back-to-back singles by Dawson Walters and Ninness set the stage for yet another comeback, and Feuerstake and Fernandez did not disappoint. Feuerstake tied the ballgame again with a sacrifice fly to center field, then a double to deep left field allowed the speedy Ninness to score.
The Bulldogs (20-8, 13-1 KCAC) scored 12 runs on 11 hits and used two home runs to complete the comeback bid. Foster led the way with three hits, and Fernandez had two hits and drove in four runs while hitting his team-best eighth homer of the season.
"It is extremely fun to continue to watch this group compete and continue to win on a consistent basis," co-interim head coach Andrew Pratt said. "Blake Maddock continues to impress on the mound, and Antonio Fernandez has proven time and time again to be a great leader on the offensive side. All eyes towards tomorrow as we look to put together a complete effort as a unit."
Blake Maddock got the call on the mound for the Bulldogs in the opener and continued to show why he is the reigning KCAC Pitcher of the Week. Maddock threw seven scoreless innings while striking out ten batters and allowing just five hits.
Fernandez gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead with an RBI single in the third inning, then helped push the lead to 2-0 with a solo blast.
James Canar added to the lead with a double to left-center field that brought Feuerstake home. Castillo wrapped up the scoring with a sacrifice fly to right field.
Matt Whitney came on for the last two batters of the ninth, striking them both out to seal the victory.
The teams will finish up the three-game set on Sunday (Mar. 26) with the first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.
