Bulldogs Outlast Warriors in McPherson

McPherson, Kan.-Warrior baseball couldn't keep up with McPherson this past Tuesday, the Bulldogs holding on to a two run lead after a late surge by the Warrior offense. Despite the chilly weather and cloudy days, the Warriors fought to get another win to their record, only to fall short by the consistency of the Bulldogs. This brings the Warrior's overall record to 9-11, and their KCAC record to 2-3.

Sterling -10 McPherson -12

Both teams started with a solid defense, as the first two innings had zero runs and zero hits. The Warriors achieved the first run made by Layne Thacker. Jackson Kawelo singled to second base, and Thacker reached on an error by the first baseman and Kawelo moved up to second on the hit. After a sacrifice bunt from Dustin Chartrand, Luis Morales put the ball in play to first base, but Kawelo was thrown out at home as he was moving on contact. Thacker scored his run after an Aiden Rowan single to left field, but the Warriors collected an out when Morales was called out at second base trying to advance on the throw home. McPherson responded with two runs of their own, the Bulldogs leading in the third inning, 2-1.

The teams remained busy at the bat for the rest of the game. Sterling pulled one more run in the fourth inning. Elvis Rumaldo singled, then raced across the plate after a double from Aaron Johnson.

Sterling didn't have any runs in the fifth inning. The Bulldogs found their rhythm, plating four runs during their at bat. After four innings the score was 7-2 Bulldogs.

With the Warriors behind, they pulled one more run in the sixth inning. Johnson doubled into left field, then watched Kyle Boomgaarden single. Back to back fielder's choice plays brought Johnson around to score, bringing the Warriors back to within four momentarily. The Bulldogs scored another run in the bottom of the sixth, completing the inning at 8-3.

The Warriors finally picked up their attack during the seventh inning, collecting six runs. Morales hit a one out single to left field, then advanced to third after a single from Rowan. Rowan stole second, giving Rumaldo room to walk. With bases loaded, Johnson smacked a grand slam, clearing the bases, shifting the momentum and making the score 8-7. The Warriors weren't done as they continued their attack. Keller took a two out walk, then Kawelo singled, with both runners advancing one base on an error by the right fielder. Thacker followed up with a single, giving Keller time to score and Kawelo the chance to cruise into third. With the score tied, Chartrand singled to left center, scoring Kawelo from third and giving Sterling their first lead of the day. Morales was walked, but Sterling did no more damage but gained a one run advantage. The Warriors didn't keep the lead long, as the Bulldogs scored three runs of their own in the bottom of the seventh, taking back the lead at 11-9.

The Warriors scored one more run in the top of the eighth, but that was matched by the Bulldogs in the bottom half of the inning, locking in the score at 12-10. Despite the hard work from the Warriors in the ninth inning, they couldn't find the home plate, ending the game in the Bulldog's favor.

Four Warriors shared the pitching duties in the game. Chris Isaac got the start and played four innings, giving the Bulldogs two hits and three runs and striking out two batters. In his two innings, Andrew Mason gave up six hits and four runs. Reid Heidtbrink followed with one inning of work, giving up one hit, one run, and striking out one Bulldog batter. During Gentry Bradbury's short time on the mound, he gave up four runs on just two hits.

The Warriors continue their conference season in a 3 game series at (RV) Ottawa University this weekend. They then gear up against York in another 3 game series on their home field next week, starting Mar 17.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.