Graceland Baseball Splits Conference Doubleheader with Culver-Stockton

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University baseball team split a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader with Culver-Stockton (Mo.), falling 16-8 in game one before responding with a 9-8 victory in game two at Chase Stadium .

With the split, Graceland moves to 8-22 overall and 1-8 in conference play, while Culver-Stockton stands at 7-21 overall and 2-8 in the HAAC.

In game one, Culver-Stockton generated 16 runs on 14 hits, using a six-run seventh inning to extend the margin . The Wildcats capitalized on extra-base production, including a home run and multiple doubles, while driving in 15 RBIs.

Graceland matched with 14 hits, led by Kellen Scruggs, who went 3-for-4, and Josh Tomas, who added two hits and two runs scored. Darius Sparks drove in a team-high three RBIs, including a two-run single in the seventh inning .

The Yellowjackets produced scoring in the third, fourth and fifth innings, including RBI hits from Gabriel Perez and Juan Guzman. Graceland also added three runs in the seventh, highlighted by consecutive run-scoring singles from Carson Chiprez and Sparks .

On the mound, Rafael Severino took the loss after allowing six runs (five earned) over 3.2 innings, while the bullpen combined for 10 additional runs allowed .

In game two, Graceland responded with a 9-8 win, totaling 13 hits and capitalizing on key scoring opportunities in the middle innings .

The Yellowjackets scored in four different innings, including a three-run third and a three-run fourth, to take a multi-run lead. Juan Guzman delivered a two-RBI double in the third inning, while Carson Chiprez added a solo home run in the fourth .

Kellen Scruggs led the offense with a 3-for-5 performance and three runs scored, while Darius Sparks and Chiprez each recorded two hits. Josh Tomas drove in two RBIs, including the go-ahead run in the sixth inning after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded .

On the mound, Cohen Kelsey earned the win, allowing four runs over 4.1 innings, while Ryan Spencer and Rafael Calcano combined in relief to close out the game. Calcano recorded the final six outs, allowing three runs (two earned) .

Graceland's defense turned key outs in the late innings, limiting Culver-Stockton's opportunities despite 13 hits allowed.

Head coach Brad Payne emphasized execution in conference play.

"We responded well in the second game with timely hitting and better execution in key situations. The focus is on limiting free bases and continuing to compete through all seven innings," Payne said.

Graceland will continue conference play with a four-game series on the road.

Graceland returns to action Friday, April 3, with a doubleheader at Grand View beginning at 1:00 p.m. CDT, followed by a second game at 3:30 p.m. at Lou Yacinich Field in Des Moines, Iowa. The series continues Saturday, April 4, with games scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the same venue.

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