Yellowjackets Drop Two to Clarke in Conference Doubleheader

PEOSTA, Iowa — The Graceland University baseball team dropped both ends of a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader to Clarke (Iowa) on Saturday, falling 18-2 in game one and 3-2 in game two at A.J. Spiegel Park. The Yellowjackets move to 6-19 overall and 0-6 in conference play, while Clarke improves to 8-12 overall and 2-0 in the HAAC.

In the opener, Graceland recorded seven hits but allowed 18 runs on 10 hits and nine walks, as Clarke capitalized on free passes and situational hitting. The Yellowjackets plated single runs in the second and fourth innings, highlighted by an RBI single from Josh Tomas and an RBI double from Juan Guzman.

Clarke broke the game open with a seven-run fourth inning, followed by another seven-run fifth, using a combination of extra-base hits, bases-loaded walks, and run-producing outs. Nico Reed led the Vikings with a 4-for-4 performance, including two doubles and multiple RBIs, while the Graceland pitching staff issued nine walks and hit four batters, extending innings and creating scoring opportunities.

Rafael Severino took the loss, allowing eight runs over 3.1 innings, while the bullpen combined to surrender 10 additional runs. Despite the deficit, Graceland continued to generate base runners, finishing with seven hits and two walks, but left five runners on base.

Game two featured a tighter contest, with Graceland taking an early 2-0 lead in the first inning behind RBI singles from Rafael Calcano and Juan Guzman. The Yellowjackets finished with four hits and four walks, but were unable to add insurance runs over the final six innings.

Clarke responded with two runs in the fourth inning and pushed across the go-ahead run in the seventh on a two-out RBI single, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to secure the 3-2 victory. Graceland committed three errors, leading to extended innings and an unearned run.

On the mound, Cohen Kelsey delivered six innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits with four walks, keeping Graceland within reach. Offensively, Kellen Scruggs and Rafael Calcano each recorded hits, while the Yellowjackets executed four stolen bases, applying pressure on the basepaths.

"We competed better in the second game and gave ourselves a chance late," head coach Brad Payne said. "We need to limit free passes, tighten up defensively, and find ways to execute with runners in scoring position."

Graceland will conclude the four-game series on Sunday, March 22, with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. CDT, followed by game two at 3:30 p.m. CDT, against Clarke (Iowa) at A.J. Spiegel Park in Peosta, Iowa.

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