Statesmen Drop Rubber Game to Clarke, 3-2

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–After an early offensive outburst, the squads settled in for a solid pitchers’ duel as Penn fell 3-2 to Clarke in Midwest Collegiate Conference baseball action Sunday.

Clarke (6-6, 2-1 MCC) opened the contest with a three-run first frame and all indications were that it would be a long day for the home squad.

Fortunately, the Statesmen (14-6, 1-2 MCC) responded with two runs of their own as Kyle Humphrey (Sr., Boise, Idaho, Skagit Valley CC) hit his third home run of the year, a two-run shot that left a dent more than halfway up the PAC building beyond right field.  Jerry Hernandez (Sr., Moreno Valley, Calif., Chaffey CC) also scored on the roundtripper.

The plate success ended there, however, as both programs were held scoreless for the final eight frames.

It is not as if the teams completely failed as Penn had 11 baserunners after the opening inning (five in scoring position) and the Crusaders countered with ten.  Penn held a nominal 6-5 edge in hits.

The Statesmen had several strong scoring opportunities, including putting runners on second and third in the third frame, but the players were left stranded in each and every instance.

Humphrey led Penn with a 2-for-3 showing.

Dennis Neal (Jr., San Leandro, Calif., Laney CC) weathered the first-inning storm and then tossed three more solid frames.  The junior (0-2) allowed three runs (all earned) on four hits.  He struck out one with two walks.

Devin Lange (Jr., Tucson, Ariz., Paradise Valley CC) was nearly untouchable in his five-inning relief stint, giving up just one hit with three strikeouts.

Next: Penn travels to Des Moines Tuesday to face Grand View in an MCC doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.