WINFIELD, Kan. – On Saturday, the Southwestern College baseball squad hosted the visiting Braves of Ottawa University. A cold and windy battle was played at Broadway Sports Complex in Winfield, Kan., ending with two losses for the Builder side, as they took 12-2 and 13-8 defeats at the hands of Ottawa.
The visiting Braves put together a strong start in game one, as they put five runs on the scoreboard early on. A throwing error by the Builders left fielder, and two singles up the middle, resulted in five runs scored to give Ottawa an early 5-0 lead in the game.
After a scoreless inning number two, the Builders were able to get a run on the scoreboard, as Marcus Burton singled to third base in the bottom of the third. In addition, a throwing error by the Braves third baseman let Burton continue his run to second base, as London Penland sprinted home to score the first run for the Moundbuilders.
It did not take long for the Braves to respond, as they smacked a solo home run in the top of the fourth inning to improve their lead to 6-1. In addition, the Braves added two more runs in the top of the fifth inning, changing the score to 8-1. Another homer and a balk led to those two runs being scored. Not done yet, Ottawa hit a double to right field that resulted in a pair of RBIs, improving the lead to 10-1 after six innings.
In the seventh inning, the Braves finished things off, as they supplied another two runs to their score, after a throwing error by the SC third baseman. The Builders added an additional run to their line in the bottom of seventh inning, as Burton singled to left field, helping Noah Prince to scamper home. Overall, it was not enough, as the Builder were run ruled after seven innings.
After a short game one, game two had more excitement involved. The Braves started the game by adding three runs to their score. A fielding error by the right fielder that resulted in two runs scored, and a sacrifice fly to center field brought home a run, changing the score to 3-0 in favor of Ottawa. The Builders responded with Burton, who smashed the ball over the fence to earn the Moundbuilders' first homerun of the day. It was of the solo variety, making it 3-1 Braves.
Ottawa continued their scoring streak in inning number two, as they scored a single run on a wild pitch, extending their lead to 4-1.
The Braves continued to shine in the top of the third inning, as they hit a homer and a single down the left-field line to add two more runs to their score.
In need of a quick response with a 6-1 deficit, the Builders sent Josh Crabtree to the plate. He drilled a pitch over the fence in center to earn the second Builder homerun of the day. Crabtree drove in a pair of runs with the shot, as Burton was on second base. The updated score of the game was 6-3 for Ottawa.
The fourth inning started with a Braves run, after a single to left field, resulting in an RBI single. Inspired by the previous inning, the Builders saw their chance for a comeback. Starting with Burton, who once again was part of a Moundbuilder scoring play, singled up the middle to earn a pair of RBIs, as Travis Popenhagen and Trevor Abitia ran home to score. The Builders were not finished, as they scored another two runs. Crabtree singled to left field sending Penland across to score. Burton was on his way to third on the play and advanced home to score on a throwing error by the left fielder. The Builders put together a huge comeback in the bottom of the fourth inning and tied the game, 7-7.
Unfortunately, the Builders upswing did not continue any further, as the Braves scored five runs in the top of the fifth inning. Three round-trippers by the Braves resulted in five runs scored, giving the lead back to Ottawa. As a response, the Builders were able to score another run to change the score to 12-8, but ultimately could not hold the Braves. Additionally, the Braves added their final run to the board to win the game by a final of 13-8.
Southwestern had just 12 hits across 14 innings, and Burton (6-for-8, HR, 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R) was responsible for half of them. Jo. Crabtree (3-for-6, HR, 3 RBI, R, BB) had a nice day at the dish, as well, but only three hits were tallied by other members of the roster in the two games. Noah Prince (1-for-6, R), Joseph Finder (1-for-6, R, 2 SB) and Brady Johnson (1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB) ripped those knocks.
Pitching was unable to hold Ottawa at bay on Saturday, as Gannon Dow (5.1 IP, 10 H, 10 R (9 ER), 3 K, 5 BB) struggled with command during his start. Jared Stoffel relieved him, tossing 1.2 innings on the bump. He allowed three hits and two unearned runs, while converting one strikeout.
Things did not go any better in game two, as Taylor Petty's two innings resulted in four runs (three earned) on three hits and three walks to start the bout. Petty did set down three batters on strikes. He was followed by Reyden Rull, who tossed one inning and allowed two runs on three hits. Then, Nathan Simmons allowed five runs on five hits in the middle frames. He went 1.2 innings and struck out one while walking a pair. Joshua Johnson made his 2023 debut after rehabbing an injury and allowed one run on one hit in a third of an inning. Then, Braden Ash got in on the act with one inning of one-run ball, while Trevor Sides was the only Builder pitching on the day to not allow a run, pitching one scoreless frame with a strikeout.
Southwestern (8-36, 2-26 KCAC) has struggled mightily in the last month-and-a-half, but will have a chance to end the losing streak against Ottawa on Sunday at 1 p.m., as the Builders try to salvage the finale of the KCAC series.
--buildersports.com--
