BALDWIN CITY, KAN. – Grand View continued its strong stretch of play on the road, taking on the Wildcats of Baker University in a conference doubleheader. After battling through competitive games early in the season, the Vikings looked to build momentum — and did just that with a pair of convincing victories. GRAND VIEW 5, BAKER 1
The opening game of the day featured a pitcher's duel early, as both teams were held scoreless through the first three innings.
Grand View broke through in the fourth when Nevaeh Randall delivered a clutch RBI double to right center, scoring Elle Nelsen to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead. Baker answered in the bottom half of the inning, tying the game at 1-1 on an RBI single.
From there, the Vikings took control.
In the sixth, Nelsen once again sparked the offense, coming around to score on a sacrifice fly from Alexia Jarrett to give Grand View a 2-1 edge.
The game was put away in the seventh. Reese Cooley came across to score on a fielder's choice by Chloe Kottlowski, extending the lead to 3-1. Moments later, Nelsen delivered the biggest swing of the game — a two-run home run to left field — pushing the advantage to 5-1 and sealing the victory.
Madeline Waldorf was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete game to earn the win. She allowed just one run on five hits while striking out six and keeping the Wildcats off balance all afternoon.
Grand View totaled eight hits in the contest, led by Nelsen's three-hit, three-run performance. Cooley added two hits, while Randall's RBI double helped ignite the offense. GRAND VIEW 4, BAKER 0
The Vikings carried their momentum into game two, using timely hitting and a dominant pitching performance to complete the sweep.
Grand View struck first in the second inning, taking advantage of defensive pressure. Reese Cooley came around to score on a Baker error during a fielder's choice, giving the Vikings a 1-0 lead.
The offense added on in the fifth inning behind a familiar name. Elle Nelsen launched a solo home run to right field to double the lead, continuing her standout day at the plate. Later in the inning, Nevaeh Randall came through again with an RBI single, scoring Grace Anderson to make it 3-0.
The Vikings tacked on one more in the seventh, as Alexia Jarrett singled to left field to drive in Anderson and extend the lead to 4-0.
In the circle, Caedence Risius set the tone early, working four scoreless innings while allowing seven hits and striking out three. Molly Breeding entered in relief and shut the door, allowing just one hit over the final three innings to secure the shutout.
Despite Baker collecting eight hits, the Vikings' pitching staff stranded runners throughout the game and did not allow a run.
Nelsen led the offense again with two hits, while Jarrett added a pair of hits and an RBI. Anderson scored twice, and Randall contributed another key RBI as part of a balanced offensive effort. GAME NOTES
• Madeline Waldorf tossed a complete game in Game 1 (7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 6 K).
• Elle Nelsen combined for five hits, four runs scored, and three RBIs on the day, including two home runs.
• Caedence Risius earned the Game 2 win with four scoreless innings.
• Molly Breeding allowed just one hit over three innings to complete the shutout.
• Grand View outscored Baker 9-1 across the doubleheader. UP NEXT
Grand View will look to carry this momentum into their next conference matchup as the Vikings continue their road stretch against the Pirates of Park University in Parkville, MO. Games are scheduled to start at 1PM.