Graceland Drops Twin Bill to Bulldogs Despite Early Offensive Surge

FORT SCOTT, Kansas — The Graceland University baseball team dropped both ends of a nonconference doubleheader to Concordia (Neb.) on Feb. 28 at the LaRoche Complex. The Yellowjackets fell 13-8 in Game 1 and 11-1 in Game 2, moving to 5-10 overall on the season. Concordia improved to 11-3 overall following the sweep.

Graceland competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and currently stands at 0-0 in conference play, while Concordia, a member of the GPAC, remains in nonconference action.

In Game 1, Graceland posted eight runs on eight hits, highlighted by a four-run first inning. Gabriel Perez finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs, while Ryan Spencer added a two-run home run and two RBIs. Kellen Scruggs recorded a 2-for-4 line with a double and an RBI.

The Yellowjackets led 4-1 after the opening frame following Perez's two-run double and Spencer's homer. Concordia responded with a five-run third inning and added insurance runs in the fourth and seventh. Concordia totaled 12 hits and three home runs, including long balls from A. Fetty, L. Wilson and J. Watson.

Cohen Kelsey (0-2) took the loss after allowing eight earned runs in 2.0 innings. Cade Witzke and Fernando Velez combined for five innings of relief, striking out four.

In Game 2, Graceland was limited to four hits in an 11-1 defeat. Perez accounted for two hits, including a double, while Spencer drove in the Yellowjackets' lone run on a fielder's choice in the second inning.

Concordia scored two runs in the second, three in the third and six in the fourth to break the game open. B. Lewis delivered a three-run home run in the fourth inning as part of a 10-hit effort by the Bulldogs.

Jacob Abernathe (0-2) was charged with the loss in Game 2 after allowing six earned runs in 3.1 innings. Sergio Ruiz and Victor Leonardo provided relief work, combining for 3.2 innings with four strikeouts.

Head coach Brad Payne addressed the performance following the doubleheader.

"We competed early in Game 1 and executed with runners in scoring position," Payne said. "We need more consistency on the mound and better situational execution in close innings. Our approach at the plate showed progress, but limiting extra-base damage is critical moving forward."

Across the twin bill, Graceland recorded 12 runs on 12 hits, including three doubles and one home run. The Yellowjackets struck out 15 times in 14 innings and committed two errors defensively.

Graceland returns to action Tuesday, March 3, with a road doubleheader at Baker (Kan.). First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. CST and 6:30 p.m. CST at Sauder Field in Baldwin City, Kan. The two teams are also slated to play a second twin bill Saturday, completing a four-game series in two days.

For more information on Graceland baseball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.