JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The Blueboys split their conference doubleheader against the Grinnell Pioneers, setting up a crucial Game 3 on Sunday afternoon to determine the series winner.
Grinnell took the first game 12-6 in comeback fashion, while the Blueboys responded with a victory in Game 2 to even the series.
The Blueboys move to 13-8 on the year and 3-1 in conference play, while the Pioneers sit at 10-7 overall and 1-1 in conference action.
Game 1: Grinnell 12 IC 6
The Blueboys started strong with a four-run first inning, highlighted by a two-RBI single from
Tyler Barker.
Ketch Mills then launched his first home run of the season, giving IC a 4-0 lead after one.
Grinnell answered with a five-run third inning, capped off by a grand slam from Connor Goodson to put the Pioneers ahead 6-4.
Barker responded with his third home run of the season in the bottom of the third to tie the game 6-6, but Grinnell reclaimed the lead in the sixth and never looked back.
Ian Feld earned the win for Grinnell, while
Dawson Vernier fell to 1-2 on the season.
Game 2: IC 9 Grinnell 2
Once again, the Blueboys jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues, with
Jon Tate's two-RBI double highlighting the rally.
IC added another big inning in the sixth when
Logan Fleener crushed his first home run of the season, a grand slam, extending the lead to 8-1.
Fleener wasn't done, launching another home run in the eighth to finish the game 4-for-4 with six RBIs and two home runs.
Adam Passmore and
Ketch Mills also contributed with two hits each.
Defensively, the Blueboys put on a clinic, making plays all over the diamond, with standout efforts from Passmore and Fleener.
On the mound,
Charlie Lardi delivered another stellar performance, earning his fourth win after going seven innings, allowing just one run, striking out five, and surrendering only five hits.
Up Next
The Blueboys will host Grinnell for the series-deciding rubber match at Joe Brooks Field on Sunday at noon.
