DAVENPORT, IOWA Baseball competed in a midweek doubleheader against St. Ambrose University. The Vikings split the bill in two closely contested matchups. Much different games, as Grand View took the first in a pitching duel, 1-0. GV dropped the second game 8-10 and couldn't quite finish the comeback.
GAME 1 | GRAND VIEW 1, ST. AMBROSE 0
_____________________________________________________________
In a classic pitcher's duel, Grand View pushed across the only run of the game in the third inning and leaned on its pitching staff to lock down a gritty 1-0 win.
After a leadoff single and pinch-runner substitution, the Vikings capitalized on a base hit up the middle that allowed the unearned run to score. The runner attempting to advance to third was thrown out, but the damage was done.
That lone run stood up thanks to a dominant outing on the mound.
Jacob Draeger went six shutout innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out three.
Devin Doyle came in to close the seventh, picking up the save and striking out two of the four batters he faced.
Grand View's offense tallied just four hits, but
Dane Schwirtz led the way, going 2-for-2 with the game's only RBI and a stolen base.
GAME 2 | GRAND VIEW 8, ST. AMBROSE 10
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Grand View found itself in an early 6-0 hole after two innings, but the Vikings mounted an explosive response in the top of the third to even the score. A pair of extra-base hits and clutch RBI swings highlighted a six-run frame.
Brayton Heinen started the rally with a two-run double, followed by a two-RBI single from
Evan Borst and a game-tying two-run double by
Thomas Maathuis.
However, defensive miscues again proved costly. St. Ambrose retook the lead with two runs in the bottom of the third—both unearned—and added two more in the fourth to extend the advantage to 10-6.
Grand View clawed back in the seventh after a throwing error allowed Hunter Himrich and
Evan Borst to score, but the rally was cut short. The Vikings fell 8-10 and split the series. Grand View moved to 27-7 on the year.
GAME NOTES
Jacob Draeger; 6.0 scoreless innings and only 2 hits given up. [W, 2-2] (Game 1)
Devin Doyle; 1.0 inning pitched but 2 strikeouts and save 6! (Game 1)
Dane Schwirtz 2-for-2 and the lone RBI in Game 1
Kaden Stewart 2.0 innings pitched with 2 strikeouts (Game 2)
UP NEXT
Grand View will host William Penn on Friday and Saturday for a series. Grand View will have senior day recognition on Saturday, April 19th! The games will start at 1PM both days.
