TIGERS NEARLY EARN COMEBACK WINS IN BOTH GAMES, SETTLE FOR SPLIT WITH DEFENDERS ON THE ROAD

Sioux Center, Iowa – Dakota Wesleyan walked left Sioux Center, Iowa with a split with the Dordt Defenders. The Defenders won game one 9-8, just escaping with the win with the Tigers having bases loaded to end the game. In game two DWU found themselves in another deficit going into the final frame, but this time pulled off the comeback plating three runs in the frame for a 4-3 win.

In game one Jacob Glovich got the start, coming off his quality start win against Valley City State in his last outing. Glovich this time ran into trouble early with the DOR lineup, surrendering seven earned in his 3.2 innings of work. He was relieved by Logan Davis who went the final 2.1 frames of zero earned ball. Despite the score the Tigers outhit the Defenders 12-10 with Lane Darrow, Seth Christiansen, Diego Jirau, and Drew Kitchens all recording multi-hit games. Darrow led the way with his 3 for 3 performance and scoring three runs. Joseph Tharaldson drove in three runs in the game while Carter Brown and Christiansen got the only extra base hits with a double apiece.

Game two was a pitching duel the first four innings. Dexter Payne got the nod and cruised through the first four innings, not allowing a runner to reach third base. During the stretch Payne was credited with three punchouts. In the top of the fifth the DWU bats got a run on the board for their starter, giving them their second lead of the day. Again, it was Tharaldson coming up with the clutch hit driving in Darrow from second after his one out double. In the bottom of the sixth though the Defenders posted a three spot to take a 3-1 lead heading to the final inning with today being two seven inning games.

Darrow got things going with a leadoff double followed by Caleb Meyers, Tharaldson, and Christiansen all reaching base safely. Darrow scored on a balk called followed by Tharaldson coming in to score on an error during Christiansen at bat. With the score tied and still zero outs, the Tigers looked to take the lead. The Defenders were able to record two outs with a run scoring, making it bases loaded, two outs, and a tie ball game. DWU caught a break with the go-ahead run coming in on a passed ball by the DOR catcher. In the bottom half Logan Miller was called upon to come up with the save and delivered with just that getting two punchouts in the process for the 4-3 comeback win.

Up Next: The Dakota Wesleyan Baseball team returns to Drake field for a four-game series Saturday and Sunday, April 20 & 21 against Jamestown. First pitch Friday is at 1 p.m. with Saturday being at noon.