Pride split Tuesday doubleheader to take series from Peru State
PEOSTA, Iowa - In a series-ending doubleheader that would have big implications for the Heart of America Athletic Conference North Divisions standings, the Clarke University baseball team maintained their top spot with a split against Peru State on Tuesday afternoon.
Leading most of the game 2-0, the Pride unfortunately dropped the opener on Tuesday by a final of 3-2 but were able to bounce back to earn a 1-0 win in the finale to clinch a 3-1 series win to stay a half game ahead of the Bobcats in the Heart North standings.
The pitching for CU was outstanding over the 14 innings played as all three runs in the opener were unearned in the top of the sixth inning as an error with two outs and the bases loaded was able to score two runs to tie the game at 2-2 before a Devin Adams single scored the go ahead run.
Game three starter Jake Fiorito went five-plus innings to strike out eight batters while only allowing four hits and two walks. Isaac Rohde would have gotten out of the sixth to keep PSC off the board but he was tagged for a run on one hit with one walk and four strikeouts in two innings out of the pen.
Game four in the series was the Johnny Blake show as the sophomore from Dubuque Senior High School pitched a complete game shutout while stiking out seven batters and allowing six hits with only one walk to help the one run hold for the Pride.
At the plate, Bryce Hinton had the big swing in game one to drive in both runs with a two-out single to right field in the third inning to make it 2-0 at the time.
It was the third inning once again in the finale that put the Pride in front as Daniel Phyle reached on a fielder's choice after a sacrifice bunt attempt. Phyle was still on first with two outs when he took off to steal second as neither the second baseman or shortstop covered the bag, the throw went into center field to allow Phyle to head to third where he was doubled home by Victor Lara who drove the ball to left field over the head of the left fielder.
Clarke will finish up their regular season this weekend with a four game series on the road at Culver-Stockton College this Friday and Saturday with both day's doubleheaders beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT in Canton, Mo.