Yellowjackets Rally but Fall Twice Friday in Lamoni

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University baseball team dropped a pair of nonconference contests Friday at Chase Stadium, falling 8-6 to Northwestern (3-1, 0-0) before a 5-4 decision against College of the Ozarks (5-2, 0-0). The Yellowjackets move to 2-4 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference).

In the opener, Northwestern capitalized on early offensive production, scoring four runs in the second inning and two more in the third to build a 6-0 lead. The Red Raiders finished with eight runs on nine hits, while Graceland totaled six runs on nine hits .

Northwestern's second inning was fueled by a two-run double from Isaac Short and an RBI double by Bryce Click. Short added another two-run double in the third to extend the margin. Graceland starter Gabriel Perez worked five innings and recorded six strikeouts before turning the ball over to the bullpen. Rafael Calcano provided two innings of relief and struck out four.

Graceland responded with a five-run fifth inning to tie the game. Beno Olmeda opened the frame with a double and later scored on an RBI single from Gabriel Perez. Calcano followed with a double, setting the stage for Juan Guzman, who delivered a two-run double to left-center. After a pitching change, Josh Tomas came off the bench and lined a two-run double to even the score at 6-6.

Northwestern regained the lead in the sixth on an RBI double by Brody Ayers following a leadoff walk and stolen base. An RBI single by Grant Guidry later in the inning pushed the advantage to 8-6. Graceland threatened late but could not manufacture the tying run. Guzman finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs.

In the second game, College of the Ozarks built a five-run lead and held off a late Graceland rally for a 5-4 final. The Bobcats scored an unearned run in the first before plating four in the fourth. They finished with five runs on six hits and no errors, while Graceland recorded four runs on six hits .

Johanno Perdomo started on the mound for Graceland and allowed four runs, three earned, across three innings. Ryan Spencer and Cade Witzke combined for four innings of relief, limiting additional damage and keeping the deficit manageable.

Graceland cut into the margin in the fifth when Carson Chiprez delivered an RBI single. The Yellowjackets added three runs in the sixth. Kellen Scruggs doubled to ignite the rally, and Ian Martinez followed with a two-run single to center. Martinez later scored on an RBI single from Darius Sparks, trimming the deficit to one.

The tying run advanced into scoring position in the sixth, but College of the Ozarks induced a lineout to end the threat. The Bobcats retired the side in order in the seventh to secure the save.

Across the two contests, Graceland totaled 10 runs on 15 hits, including six doubles. The Yellowjackets recorded 10 strikeouts on the mound in the opener and limited additional damage in the nightcap despite early defensive miscues.

"We generated competitive at-bats in key spots and showed the ability to produce extra-base hits," Graceland head coach Brad Payne said. "We need to tighten up defensively and limit free bases. When we execute situational baseball and control innings on the mound, we put ourselves in position to finish games."

Graceland returns to action Saturday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. CST, when the Yellowjackets host Northwestern College (IA) at Chase Stadium in Lamoni, Iowa.

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