Spartans Split with Duhawks
Apr 16, 2013 | J.Crane
DUBUQUE, IOWA – The University of Dubuque Baseball team split with rival Loras College (13-9, 7-5) on Tuesday afternoon at Petrakis Park. The Spartans took Game 2, 4-0 behind a strong pitching performance by Max Nank (Waterloo, Iowa/Waterloo West). UD lost Game 1, 1-0 on a bases loaded walk-off single. Dubuque is now 6-16 on the season and 4-10 in the Iowa Conference.
Game 1: Dubuque-0, Loras-1 BOX SCORE
The top two pitching teams in the IIAC played exactly that way with the Spartans and Duhawks playing scoreless ball for six and a half innings before Loras scored in the bottom of the seventh. UD starting pitcher Lucas Ware (Platteville, Wis./Platteville) held Loras scoreless for six innings before fatigue set in. After retiring the leadoff hitter, Ware walked the 7-8-9 hitters in the Loras lineup before the Duhawks singled to win 1-0. Ware, making his first career start, allowed only four hits in 6 1/3 innings pitched.
Spencer Kuehn (Dana Point, Calif./Dana Hills) finished the game 2-3 for his fourth multiple hit game of the year.
The Spartans best scoring opportunity was in the seventh inning as Chris Briggs (Lombard, Ill./Montini) and Kuehn each singles to start the inning. After a failed bunt attempt, Tyler Runge (Clinton, Iowa/Clinton) walked to load the bases with one out. UD was unable to score after the next two batters were retired.
Game 2: Dubuque-4, Loras-0 BOX SCORE
After a heartbreaking loss in the opening, UD stormed out to an early 3-0 lead highlighted by a two-run home run to right center by Briggs. Andy Danna (Antioch, Ill./Antioch) reached base on a Loras error and advanced on a sac bunt and wild pitch before Kuehn drove him in on a double down the left field line.
Kuehn reached base three times in the game with a single, double, and was hit by a pitch. Briggs was also on base three times with a home run and two walks. Austin Monfross (Big Timber, Mont./Sweet Grass) had two singles in the game.
Leading 3-0, UD scored an insurance run in the seventh on a bases loaded walk by Runge. Vince Parisi (Tinley Park, Ill./Andrew) led off the inning with a single and scored on the walk to Runge.
Nank pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Landon Klostermann (Epworth, Iowa/Western Dubuque) pitched 2/3 of an inning of relief before handing the ball over to Josh Eastman(Edgerton, Wis./Edgerton) to finish the game. Eastman retired all five batters he faced including a bases loaded strikeout and ground out in the eighth to stop a budding Loras rally.
The UD pitching staff lowered its Iowa Conference leading ERA to 2.90.
UP NEXT: The Spartans will host Luther College (8-12, 4-8) for a four game series with doubleheaders on Friday, April 19th and Saturday, April 20th. UD will honor the seniors between games on Saturday. Live stats will be available online at: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/dbq.portal#
