Yellowjackets Battle but Fall in High-Scoring Conference Doubleheader at Grand View

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Graceland University baseball team dropped a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader to Grand View on Tuesday, falling 18-2 in Game 1 and 11-10 in Game 2. The Yellowjackets move to 9-29 overall and 2-23 in conference play, while Grand View improves to 18-15 overall and 11-10 in league action .

Game 1 saw Graceland generate early offensive production but struggle to contain Grand View's lineup in the middle innings. The Yellowjackets recorded seven hits, highlighted by a solo home run from Drake Matney and an RBI sacrifice fly from Jayden Gilbert. Graceland plated single runs in the third and fourth innings, utilizing situational execution and advancing runners with productive outs .

On the mound, Gabriel Perez worked five innings, allowing six runs while navigating multiple traffic situations. However, a 14-run sixth inning by Grand View shifted momentum decisively, as the Vikings capitalized on extra-base hits, free passes and defensive miscues to extend the margin .

Game 2 featured a back-and-forth offensive contest, with Graceland posting 10 runs on 13 hits, including a four-run first inning and a four-run fourth inning. The Yellowjackets demonstrated consistent barrel contact and gap-to-gap approach, with Gabriel Perez driving in three runs on three hits, while Ryan Spencer added two RBIs and scored three times .

Graceland built a 10-7 lead through six innings, utilizing situational hitting, sacrifice flies and aggressive baserunning. However, Grand View responded with a three-run seventh inning to tie the game, before pushing across the go-ahead run in the ninth on a defensive miscue, sealing the 11-10 final .

Head coach Brad Payne emphasized the need for execution in key phases.

"We had stretches where our offensive approach was solid and we created pressure on the bases," Payne said. "But we have to limit free bases and execute defensively in high-leverage innings to finish games like that."

Graceland returns to action April 18-19 for a four-game series against Peru State, with games scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday at Chase Stadium in Lamoni, Iowa, as the Yellowjackets look to translate offensive production into results.

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