The Dordt Defenders dropped both ends of their Friday doubleheader against Central Christian (KS) in McPherson, Kansas. Dordt returns to action on February 20-21 against MidAmerica Nazarene.
Game 1 Box Score (PDF)
Game 2 Box Score (PDF)
Game 1: Central Christian 9, Dordt 8
The opener saw the Defenders nearly erase a mid-game deficit with a late-inning rally. Trailing for much of the contest, Dordt's offense caught fire in the sixth inning, led by the hitting of
Logan Templeton and
Ryan Vann.
Templeton anchored the lineup with a remarkable four-RBI performance, while Vann provided a spark at the top of the order with a multi-hit game and two runs scored. The Defenders surged ahead 8-7 in the top of the sixth, but the lead was short-lived as the Tigers manufactured two runs in the bottom half of the frame to reclaim the advantage.
Dordt managed to get the tying run aboard in their final turn at the plate, but the comeback bid fell just one run short.
Matthew Eubanks started on the hill, racking up seven strikeouts over five innings to keep the Defenders within striking distance throughout the afternoon.
Team Statistical Comparison
- Hits: Central Christian 9, Dordt 7
- Errors: Dordt 2, Central Christian 0
- LOB: Dordt 10, Central Christian 4
Dordt Individual Leaders
Game 2: Central Christian 2, Dordt 1
The second game was a pitcher's due with the Tigers capitalizing on a defensive miscue and a sacrifice fly in the second inning to jump ahead 2-0, a lead they would not relinquish despite Dordt's late pressure. Dordt put pressure on in the top of the seventh when
Jimmy Twombly led off with a double and eventually crossed the plate on a passed ball.
Lincoln Vander Molen was masterful on the mound for the Defenders, surrendering just two runs (one earned) while tossing a complete game. The Dordt offense matched the Tigers with five hits.
Team Statistical Comparison
- Hits: Dordt 5, Central Christian 5
- Errors: Dordt 1, Central Christian 1
- LOB: Dordt 6, Central Christian 5
Dordt Individual Leaders
Hits:
Jimmy Twombly (1),
Logan Templeton (2),
Joseph Schlesselman (1),
Ryan Vann (1)
