Baseball Splits High-Scoring Conference Doubleheader with Culver-Stockton
LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University baseball team split a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader with Culver-Stockton (Mo.), earning a 24-9 victory in game one before falling 12-7 in game two at North Park and Chase Stadium .
Following the split, Graceland moves to 9-24 overall and 2-9 in conference play, while Culver-Stockton stands at 7-22 overall and 2-9 in HAAC competition.
In game one, Graceland produced a season-high 24 runs on 17 hits, scoring in five different innings and posting multi-run frames in the second (5), third (8), fifth (6) and sixth (4) . The Yellowjackets recorded 22 RBIs, including six extra-base hits and one home run, while drawing seven walks.
Darius Sparks led the offense, going 3-for-3 with a triple, three RBIs and three runs scored. Jayden Gilbert added three RBIs, including a two-run double, while Gabriel Perez finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs .
Josh Tomas recorded a three-RBI double, and Ryan Spencer contributed two hits and an RBI, including a double. Hagen Wilmes added a two-RBI double, and Rafael Calcano hit a solo home run as part of a multi-run third inning that extended the lead to double digits .
Graceland's offensive production was highlighted by eight runs in the third inning, where the Yellowjackets recorded six hits and five RBIs, capitalizing on both extra-base hits and situational execution. The lineup combined for 17 hits, with contributions throughout the order.
On the mound, Gabriel Perez earned the win, throwing a complete game (7.0 innings) while allowing nine runs on 12 hits, with five strikeouts . Despite allowing traffic on the bases, Perez worked through all seven innings to secure the result.
Culver-Stockton recorded 12 hits in the opener, led by Ethan Weber, who finished 4-for-4 with four RBIs, including a home run.
In game two, Culver-Stockton used a seven-run second inning to build an early lead and held off Graceland for a 12-7 win . The Wildcats finished with 12 runs on 12 hits, including multiple extra-base hits and a home run.
Graceland responded with 10 hits, scoring in the third (3), fourth (1), fifth (1) and seventh (2) innings. Gabriel Perez led the offense, going 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs, while Juan Guzman added two hits and an RBI .
Ryan Spencer recorded two hits and an RBI, including a double, and Carson Chiprez added a hit and RBI. The Yellowjackets also produced sacrifice RBIs from Kellen Scruggs and Ian Martinez, contributing to situational scoring throughout the game.
On the mound, Brian Knutsen took the loss after allowing seven runs (five earned) in 1.2 innings, as Culver-Stockton capitalized on early scoring opportunities. Johanno Perdomo provided 5.1 innings of relief, allowing five runs while recording six strikeouts .
Culver-Stockton's offense was led by Harry Oden, who recorded four RBIs, while Jack Linenfelser added two RBIs. The Wildcats combined for 11 RBIs and maintained scoring pressure through the early innings.
Across the doubleheader, Graceland totaled 31 runs on 27 hits, including multiple extra-base hits and a combined 29 RBIs. The Yellowjackets showed production throughout the lineup while continuing to focus on situational hitting, extra-base execution and run production with runners in scoring position.
Head coach Brad Payne emphasized offensive consistency and execution.
"We showed the ability to produce runs and execute offensively, especially in game one. The focus moving forward is limiting early deficits on the mound and maintaining consistency across all innings," Payne said.
Graceland continues conference play with a four-game road series.
Graceland returns to action Friday, April 3, at Grand View with a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m. CDT, followed by a 3:30 p.m. game 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.