(Winfield, Kan.)- The Peru State College baseball team split its four-game series with Southwestern College over the weekend, earning a pair of strong wins before dropping the final two contests to finish 2-2 in Winfield.
Game 1 – Peru State 9, Southwestern 1
Peru State opened the series with a dominant 9-1 victory, fueled by a complete-game performance on the mound and timely power at the plate.
The Bobcats wasted no time taking control, striking for three runs in the first inning behind a three-run home run to set the tone. Peru State continued to apply pressure throughout the game, adding single runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth before breaking it open with a three-run sixth inning.
A solo home run in the sixth highlighted the late surge as the Bobcats built a commanding 9-0 advantage.
On the mound, Peru State's starter went the distance, scattering four hits over seven innings while striking out six and not allowing an earned run. Despite a few defensive miscues, the Bobcats limited damage and stranded multiple runners to maintain control.
Offensively, Peru State scored nine runs on seven hits, capitalizing on walks and opponent errors while plating runs in four separate innings to secure the run-rule victory.
Game 2 – Peru State 7, Southwestern 5
The Bobcats carried momentum into game two, earning a 7-5 win behind another complete-game effort and a big day from the heart of the lineup.
Peru State struck first and built its lead steadily, highlighted by a three-run home run in the third inning that shifted momentum. The Bobcats added insurance runs in the middle innings, including a two-run double in the sixth that extended the advantage to 7-1.
Southwestern mounted a late push, taking advantage of a few Bobcat errors to close the gap, but Peru State's starter remained composed to finish the complete game. He struck out seven and limited the damage down the stretch to secure the sweep of the doubleheader.
The Bobcats once again finished with seven hits while showing discipline at the plate and finding ways to manufacture runs in key moments.
Game 3 – Peru State 7, Southwestern 10
Peru State jumped out to an early lead in the third game of the series but was unable to hold off a late rally, falling 10-7.
The Bobcats built a 6-0 cushion through the first three innings with aggressive baserunning and timely extra-base hits. After the game was tied in the middle innings, Peru State briefly regained the lead with an RBI double in the sixth to go in front 7-6.
However, a four-run bottom half proved decisive as the Bobcats were unable to answer in their final at-bats.
Peru State totaled 10 hits in the contest and drew eight walks, consistently putting runners on base. The Bobcats also applied pressure on the bases with multiple stolen bases but left several runners stranded in the loss.
Game 4 – Peru State 0, Southwestern 5
In the series finale, the Bobcats were held scoreless in a 5-0 setback.
Peru State generated opportunities throughout the game, recording five hits and drawing two walks, but could not find the timely hit to break through. A four-run inning midway through the game put the Bobcats in an early hole, and they were unable to recover.
The pitching staff combined for eight strikeouts and did not commit an error defensively, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
