With the wins, the 'Cats improve to 6-7 overall and are 2-0 in the HAAC. Graceland fell to 8-7 and 0-2 in the HAAC.
Peru State scored a run in each of the first and second innings, which proved to be enough for the game one win over Graceland.
singled up the middle to get things started. After two outs, Croushorn stole second and then went to third on a wild pitch.
then reached first on a wild throw, which allowed Croushorn to score to put Peru State up 1-0.
came in to pinch run for Wright and went to second as the next batter grounded out to third. McGonigle later would go to third on a Graceland error and scored on the second error in the inning by the YellowJackets.
Peru State finished the game with two runs on eight hits and committed one error. Graceland had no runs, no hits, and had three errors.
both were two for three in the game with Santiesteban being credited for an RBI.
Klontz pitched seven innings, giving up no runs, no hits, and struck out six. Klontz only walked one YellowJacket. Klontz improved to 1-1 on the season.
Neither team scored in the first three innings. After Peru State shut down the YellowJackets in the top of the fourth, the 'Cats were able to push across a run in the bottom of the inning. After the first out, Santiesteban singled to left and went to second on a Graceland bobble. After the next out, Davis singled to shallow right and it was enough for Santiesteban to come home to make it 1-0 Peru State.
Similar to the fourth, the 'Cats shut down Graceland in the top half of the inning.
Tyler Cherin (Seattle, Wash.) singled to shallow center and went to second when
Ronald Tanner (Havertown, Pa.) singled up the middle. Croushorn bunted and reached first on the hit with both runners advancing. Cherin ended up scoring on a wild Graceland throw, making it Peru State 2-0. Tanner went to third and Croushorn advanced to second. After the first out of the inning, Voigt doubled to left to drive in Tanner and Croushorn, putting the Bobcats up 4-0. Phil Lial
(Las Vegas, Nev.) duplicated Voigt's double, but down the left field line to drive in Voigt. At the end of five innings, the 'Cats led 5-0.
In the top of the sixth, Graceland finally got on the scoreboard and was aided by a Bobcat error. The YellowJackets managed to score two runs to cut the deficit to 5-2.
Neither team scored the rest of the game and Peru State swept the double-header.
The 'Cats scored their five runs on 11 hits and committed three errors.
Croushorn was three of four and Voigt two of four to lead the hitting for Peru State. Both of Voigt's hits were doubles, as well as, one of Croushorn's. Voigt had two RBI.
Brandon Mears (Orange Park, Fla.) got his first start on the mound and pitched six innings to get the win. Mears gave up four hits, two runs – one earned, and struck out five. Tim Patterson
(Valdosta, Ga.) threw two innings and gave up one hit and struck out one.
Brent Brown (Hemet, Calif.) came in and pitched the final inning and earned the save. Brown gave up no hits and struck out one.
GRACELAND GAME TWO
Upcoming Games
Peru State will play a non-conference double-header on Monday, March 18, in Sabetha, Kan., against Manhattan Christian College. Game time for the double-header is 1 p.m.
On Wednesday, March 20, the Bobcats will get back into HAAC action when they travel to Springfield, Mo., to face the Evangel University Crusaders. The double-header will begin at 1 p.m.
Then, on Saturday, March 23, Peru State will be on the road again taking on HAAC foe, Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. The two-game series will begin at 1 p.m.
March 26 will see the Bobcats back at home when they host the Eagles of Central Methodist University. The double-header, held at the Centennial Complex Field, will begin at 1 p.m.
