Graceland Drops Pair at Grand View, Falls in 12-Inning Battle
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Graceland University baseball team dropped both games of a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader to Grand View, falling 12-3 in game one and 2-1 in 12 innings in game two. With the results, Graceland moves to 9-25 overall and 2-11 in conference play, while Grand View improves to 16-11 overall and 9-6 in the HAAC.
In game one, Graceland opened scoring in the first inning as Gabriel Perez drove in a run on a groundout, following a leadoff double from Darius Sparks.
Grand View responded with consistent offensive production, using plate discipline and situational hitting to generate runs across the middle innings. The Vikings plated runs in five different innings, including a five-run fourth and five-run fifth, capitalizing on walks and timely base hits to extend the lead.
Graceland recorded six hits, led by Sparks, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a double, while Ryan Spencer added a 2-for-3 performance. Rafael Calcano contributed a solo home run in the sixth inning, providing the Yellowjackets' final run of the game.
On the mound, Cohen Kelsey took the loss, allowing seven runs over 3.1 innings, while Luke Frost and Kellen Cameron combined in relief. The pitching staff issued nine walks, allowing Grand View to consistently create scoring opportunities.
In game two, Graceland engaged in a pitching-dominant contest that extended into extra innings. The Yellowjackets were limited to three hits, while striking out 16 times against Grand View pitching.
Graceland's lone run came in the ninth inning as Kellen Scruggs delivered a solo home run, giving the Yellowjackets a 1-0 lead late in regulation.
Grand View responded in the bottom half of the inning with an RBI double to tie the game, forcing extra innings. Both teams traded scoreless frames through the 10th and 11th innings, with defensive execution and pitching efficiency limiting baserunners.
On the mound, Gabriel Perez delivered 10 innings of one-run baseball, allowing six hits while recording seven strikeouts and maintaining command through multiple high-leverage situations.
The game concluded in the 12th inning as Grand View produced a walk-off RBI single, securing the 2-1 victory.
Offensively, Ryan Spencer recorded the only extra-base hit with a double, while Ian Martinez added a single. Despite limited offensive production, Graceland executed defensively, recording 35 putouts and 13 assists in the extended contest.
Head coach Brad Payne emphasized the need for consistency in conference play.
"We competed well on the mound in game two and gave ourselves a chance late, but we need more consistent offensive execution," Payne said. "Limiting free bases and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be key as we move forward."
Graceland returns to action on Saturday, April 11 with a doubleheader against Oklahoma Wesleyan, scheduled for 12:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. CDT at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri.
For more information on Graceland baseball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.