(Yankton, S.D.)- The Peru State Baseball team played a four game series against the Mount Marty Lancers on February 23^rd and 24^th. The Bobcats battled, but fell in the four games. The team is now 5-7 overall.
 
Game 1 (Peru State 4 – Mount Marty 5)
The game started off with high energy as Peru State College's starting pitcher, Kevin Diaz, took to the mound, setting the tone for a competitive outing. Throughout the game, players Antonio Benitez, Tyson Fancher, Diego Rivera, and Jackson Lynch contributed significantly by scoring for the Bobcats. Benitez showcased his all-around abilities with a stolen base and a double, proving to be an asset for the team.

Critical plays made by Kutty George and Doel Pina in the second inning initially gave the Bobcats a lead with key runs batted in. However, as the game progressed, clutch hitting from the Mount Marty Lancers during the later stages saw the visitors pulling ahead.
 
Game 2 (Peru State 2 – Mount Marty 9)
The game opened dramatically with Mount Marty hitting a 3-RBI home run in the first inning, setting a tough pace for the Bobcats. Key performers for the Bobcats included Garrett Pavletich and Kutty George, who each added 2 runs to the team's score. Kutty George shone with a 2-run homer and 2 RBIs, highlighting the late game surge in the 9th inning that rallied the team but was not enough to overcome the early lead by the Lancers. Jaled Mercader also contributed with 2 more RBIs for Peru State.

Starting pitcher Blake Denson put forth a worthy effort in controlling the opposing Lancers' powerful lineup. However, the Lancers maintained their lead, clinching the win.

Game 3 (Peru State 4 – Mount Marty 10)
From the start, the Bobcats struggled to keep pace with the Lancers. Antonio Benitez managed to score for the Bobcats in the very first inning, capitalizing on a wild pitch, but the momentum gradually shifted towards Mount Marty. Casey Ogden took the mound as the starting pitcher for the Bobcats, facing a tough Lancers lineup. Notably, Benitez also contributed 1 RBI during the game, proving to be a key player for Peru State College.



Game 4 (Peru State 8 – Mount Marty 18)
Despite the loss, several Peru State players showcased noteworthy performances. Jomar Perez particularly stood out by hitting two home runs, contributing significantly to the Bobcats' score and earning a total of four RBIs. This impressive performance underlined his vital role in the team's lineup. Other key contributors included Josh Schaller and Xavier Solla, each driving in two runs to further bolster the team's efforts against a formidable opponent.

On the mound, Dylan Pavletich started for Peru State, facing a strong offensive lineup from Mount Marty. The game also highlighted essential moments, notably Jomar Perez's two home runs, which were crucial in keeping the Bobcats competitive throughout the contest.
 
Next: The Bobcats will open conference play on March 1^st and 2^nd in Baldwin City, Kansas. The team will play the Baker Wildcats at 1:00 and 4:00pm each day.