MARYVILLE, Missouri – The Lindenwood Lions evened the weekend series against the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat baseball team with an 18-5 triumph in seven innings on Saturday at the Bearcat Baseball Field.
The Lions scored 18 runs on 19 hits and took advantage of four Bearcat errors.
After a quiet first inning by both squads, the Bearcats (20-24, 15-14 MIAA) got on the scoreboard first following sophomore Peter Carlson’s solo home run to left. This would be the first of three home runs hit by either team of the afternoon.
Lindenwood evened up the score at one run apiece in the top of the third inning, hitting back-to-back doubles. The Lions had the opportunity to score another run on the at bat, but was called back due to runner interference.
The Northwest bats heated back up in the home half of the third inning, scoring three runs on four hits and retaking the lead, 4-1. Senior infielder Logan Rycraft got the inning started by hitting a lead-off single and then was advanced to second after a successful sacrifice bunt by junior infielder Calvin Rudolph. Junior first baseman Connor Quick doubled to left-center, scoring Rycraft. With two outs, sophomore infielder Peter Carlson stepped into the batter’s box and slapped a single to left field, scoring Quick for the second run of the inning. After Carlson advanced to second on a wild pitch, sophomore infielder Matt Gastner ripped a single to left, scoring Carlson.
In the top of the fourth, Lindenwood quickly found itself with runners on second and third with one out. Freshman third baseman Ryan Venne stepped into the box and crushed a three-run homer to right field. The Lions tied up the contest at 4-4 heading into the bottom of the inning.
After the Bearcats stranded two runners in the home half of the fourth, home plate got busy in the fifth inning. Lindenwood crossed nine runs with six being attributed to two three-run shots hit by senior first baseman Neil Fischer and senior outfielder D.J. Miller. This would be Miller’s second home run of the series as the Lions took a 13-4 lead over the Bearcats.
Lindenwood would go onto score three runs in the top of the sixth and two in the top of the seventh extending its lead to 18-4.
Northwest crossed one in the bottom of the seventh to bring the final margin to 18-5 after redshirt freshman Jordan Peck hit a one-out double down the left field line. Peck advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by senior catcher Jay Hrdlicka.
First pitch is set for game three of the series at 1 p.m. Sunday in Maryville. Northwest will honor nine seniors prior to the opening pitch of Sunday’s final home regular season contest.
— Northwest Athletics —