Yellowjackets Sweep Mustangs in Road Doubleheader at Baldwin City
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — The Graceland University baseball team delivered a disciplined performance in all phases Thursday, sweeping Morningside with 5-3 and 6-4 victories to improve to 5-6 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference). Morningside moved to 7-5 overall (0-0 Heart) following the doubleheader.
Game one featured a complete effort from both the offense and starting pitcher Gabriel Perez, who went the distance in a seven-inning complete game, allowing three runs on four hits. Perez worked through five walks, induced 11 ground-ball outs, and limited hard contact after surrendering a fourth-inning two-run homer.
Graceland broke through in the fourth inning with three runs. Rafael Calcano drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game, followed by another RBI walk from Ezequiel Perez. Ian Martinez added a run-scoring groundout to give the Yellowjackets a 3-1 lead.
After Morningside tied the game at 3-3, the Jackets reclaimed control in the fifth when Calcano reached on a throwing error, allowing Beno Olmeda to score. Graceland added insurance in the seventh as Josh Tomas lifted a sacrifice fly, scoring Calcano for the final 5-3 margin.
The Yellowjackets emphasized patience and situational execution in the opener, drawing 14 walks and consistently advancing runners with productive outs.
In game two, Graceland generated six runs on eight hits, executing situational offense and timely run production.
The Yellowjackets evened the score in the second inning when Aric Maroney produced an RBI groundout and Carson Chiprez executed a sacrifice bunt to plate another run.
The Jackets extended the lead in the third inning as Ryan Spencer delivered a two-run single, driving in Kellen Scruggs and Olmeda to build a 4-1 advantage.
After Morningside tied the game in the fifth, Graceland immediately responded. In the bottom half of the inning, Martinez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in the go-ahead run, and Chiprez followed with an RBI groundout to cap the scoring at 6-4.
On the mound, Graceland used a four-man combination to secure the win. Sergio Ruiz (1-0) earned the victory in relief, while Rafael Calcano recorded his first save of the season, inducing a game-ending double play in the seventh. The Yellowjackets limited extra-base damage and stranded seven runners in the contest.
Across the doubleheader, Graceland emphasized execution: productive outs, controlled at-bats and aggressive but calculated baserunning. Defensively, the Jackets turned key double plays and limited free bases in late innings.
Head coach Brad Payne emphasized the team's execution and discipline.
"This is exactly the type of baseball this team worked so hard for during the off season," Payne said. "I'm so proud of the guys. We played clean baseball in all facets. We'll take the weekend to get healthy and rest and get it back at it Monday as we prepare for next weekend in Fort Scott against a very good Concordia team."
With the sweep, the Yellowjackets carry momentum into the next weekend series.
Graceland returns to action Friday, Feb. 27, against Concordia (Neb.) at the LaRoche Baseball Complex in Fort Scott, Kan. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. CST, followed by game two at 3:30 p.m. CST. The teams will conclude the four-game series Saturday with another twin bill at the same venue.