After splitting games in the past three doubleheaders, the Baker University baseball team has improved its conference record to 12-8.
The Wildcats split with MidAmerica Nazarene University Tuesday, winning 6-3 and losing 6-1 at Sauder Field.
In the first game, junior Bryce Davin earned the victory on the mound after being relieved by senior Jake Landis. Senior Dan Carr contributed to the Wildcat offense by going a perfect two for two at the plate with a solo homerun and a walk.
In the second game, junior Hanson Perkins was called to start on the rubber and kept the team in a close game. However, it wasn’t enough to shut down the consistent Pioneer offense. Baker was unable to produce runs late in the game and went on to lose 6-1. Head coach Phil Hannon said the team wasn’t able to keep up with the Pioneer offense.
“Hanson gave us a chance to win, but their sticks were just getting hotter and hotter,” Hannon said. “The game just kind of got away from us.”
The ‘Cats followed the same pattern Monday in their split against William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. In the first game, freshman Joe Kaup had a strong showing on the mound for five and 2/3 innings, giving up just two runs. Landis completed the game, giving up one run to earn the save. Carr sparked the Wildcat offense with a solo homerun to tie the game. Solid pitching and timely hitting helped the ‘Cats earn the 6-1 victory.
A swap of momentum in the second game led to Baker’s 11-2 loss.
Just a day before, Baker hosted William Jewell in two close games at Sauder Field. In the first game, Baker relied on three solid pitching performances by Landis, senior Logan Peck and freshman Mike Strnad. After being tied at two after the seventh inning, the game lasted an additional three innings. Strnad kept the ‘Cats in the game defensively by pitching a shutout the last three innings. Carr pulled through at the plate in the 10th inning with a single to left field for the game winner. The 3-2 win gave Strnad his first collegiate victory of his career. Strnad said he hoped to continue to pitch well enough to receive more wins in the future.
“It was good to get it under my belt, but I’ve got a lot to improve on, and hopefully it’ll be one of many and something I can build on and learn from,” he said.
Carr said the game can be credited to the Baker pitching staff.
“I would point that win more towards our pitching staff,” Carr said. “They were able to hold (William Jewell’s) offense off until our bats broke out.”
Producing just three hits total in the second game wasn’t enough for the ‘Cats to support starting pitcher Jeremiah Johnson in the team’s 2-0 loss in the second game. Baker faced the Cardinals’ undefeated No. 1 pitcher, who is also the No. 1 pitcher in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Hannon said the ‘Cats did not take advantage of their opportunities.
“With a hit here or there, it could’ve been a whole different story,” Hannon said. “Jeremiah pitched an awesome game. The first inning he got ruffled up just a little bit and settled in, and it was a typical J.J. performance. Once he settles down, he’s lights out. He shut down a good hitting team.”
The Wildcats will continue conference play Saturday in Kansas City, Mo., where they will face Avila University. Baker will host Avila Sunday at Sauder Field.