Central Methodist’s Offensive Surge Sends Yellowjackets to Pair of Losses

FAYETTE, Missouri — The Graceland baseball team was in Fayette, Missouri Sunday for a doubleheader against Central Methodist (MO) at Estes Field. The Yellowjackets dropped both games of the twin bill, falling 14-7 in game one and 18-2 in game two. With the results, Graceland moved to 6-13 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference), while Central Methodist improved to 9-8 overall (0-0 HAAC).

Graceland opened the first game with patient at-bats and timely situational hitting before Central Methodist used a late offensive surge to secure the win.

After falling behind 2-0 in the second inning, the Yellowjackets answered in the third inning. Josh Tomas singled up the middle, and a sacrifice RBI groundout from Darius Sparks brought home the first run. Later in the inning, Gabriel Perez delivered an RBI single to right field, evening the score at 2-2.

Central Methodist responded with a solo home run from Ryan Malzahn and an RBI double from Zeb Wede to regain the lead. The Eagles added another run in the fourth inning, extending the margin to 5-2.

The Yellowjackets rallied in the fifth inning, producing four runs on three hits and two wild pitches to take their first lead of the contest. Gabriel Perez grounded out to drive in a run, Rafael Calcano added an RBI groundout, and aggressive baserunning forced defensive miscues that allowed additional runs to score. The inning pushed Graceland ahead 6-5.

Central Methodist responded with a decisive nine-run sixth inning, using five hits, multiple walks, and run-scoring singles to regain control of the game. The surge included a three-run home run from Dariel Rios and a two-RBI single from Malzahn. Graceland added a final run in the seventh inning when Gabriel Perez launched a solo home run to left field, finishing the contest 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Beno Olmeda also recorded a three-hit performance, going 3-for-4 at the plate.

On the mound, Perez started for the Yellowjackets, working 5.1 innings with two strikeouts before the bullpen took over. 

Central Methodist carried its offensive momentum into the second game, producing 24 hits and 18 runs to secure the victory. The Eagles opened the game with a seven-run first inning, highlighted by an RBI home run from Jordan Vazquez, multiple RBI singles, and a two-run double from Simon "JJ" Yoakum IV. Central Methodist extended its lead in the second inning on a three-run home run from Justin Smith, pushing the score to 10-0 early in the contest.

Graceland plated its first run in the third inning when Rafael Calcano grounded out to first base, allowing Darius Sparks to score after advancing into scoring position earlier in the frame. The Yellowjackets added another run in the fourth inning when Ian Martinez reached on a fielder's choice and advanced on a defensive error, bringing home Josh Tomas to cut into the deficit.

Central Methodist continued to produce offense throughout the game, including three home runs from Ryan Malzahn, a solo home run from Dawson Kellgren, and multiple extra-base hits across the lineup. Graceland worked through several pitching changes in the contest, with six pitchers appearing on the mound to close out the game. Following the doubleheader, head coach Brad Payne emphasized the importance of tightening execution as conference play approaches.

"We showed some competitiveness in stretches, especially offensively in the first game, but we have to limit big innings and execute consistently in all phases," Payne said. "Our focus now is cleaning up the details and preparing for conference play next weekend."

Graceland returns to action next weekend for a four-game Heart of America Athletic Conference series against William Penn (IA) in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The series begins Saturday, March 14, with a doubleheader scheduled for 1 p.m. CDT and 3:30 p.m. CDT at Statesmen Ballpark. The teams will conclude the series Sunday, March 15, with another doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. CDT and 3:30 p.m. CDT at the same venue.

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