Yellowjackets Drop Pair to Clarke to Close Conference Series

PEOSTA, Iowa — The Graceland University baseball team dropped both games of a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader to Clarke (Iowa) on Sunday, falling 6-4 in Game 1 and 9-5 in Game 2 at A.J. Spiegel Park. The Yellowjackets move to 6-20 overall (0-7 HAAC) and 9-21 overall (0-8 HAAC) following the twinbill, while Clarke improves to 9-12 (3-0 HAAC) and 10-12 (4-0 HAAC).

In Game 1, Graceland produced seven hits and four runs, highlighted by a three-run fifth inning that erased a 3-0 deficit. Kellen Scruggs delivered a two-RBI single up the middle, while Aric Maroney and Darius Sparks each drove in runs to tie the game at 3-3.

Clarke responded with late-inning execution, scoring in the sixth and adding a two-run home run in the seventh to regain separation. The Vikings capitalized on four Graceland errors, extending innings and creating run-scoring opportunities despite being limited to five hits. On the mound, Gabriel Perez worked 5.1 innings, allowing four runs (three earned), while Sergio Ruiz took the loss in relief.

Game 2 saw the Yellowjackets jump out to an early advantage, plating three runs in the first inning behind a leadoff home run from Darius Sparks and timely situational hitting. Graceland extended the lead to 5-4 through four innings, with Drake Matney adding an RBI double and Sparks contributing a second RBI knock.

Clarke shifted momentum in the middle innings, using patient plate discipline and aggressive baserunning to generate scoring opportunities. The Vikings scored five unanswered runs across the fifth and sixth innings, capitalizing on walks, hit-by-pitches and defensive miscues. Graceland issued seven walks and committed three errors, allowing Clarke to build a multi-run cushion late.

Offensively, the Yellowjackets totaled six hits and four walks, with Sparks leading the lineup with two hits and two RBIs. However, Graceland was limited in late innings, unable to generate additional baserunners against Clarke's bullpen.

"We competed well in stretches, especially offensively early in games, but we have to limit free bases and clean up defensive execution," head coach Brad Payne said. "In conference play, those details become the difference late in games."

Graceland returns to action on Tuesday, March 24, traveling to face MidAmerica Nazarene in a doubleheader scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. CDT at Dixon Stadium in Olathe, Kansas.

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