Eastman's Gem Not Enough for Spartans
Apr 17, 2015
DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque dropped a pair of games to Luther, 3-1 and 8-6, despite an impressive performance by reigning Iowa Conference Pitcher of the Week, Josh Eastman, who gave up one earned run in 10.0 innings during game one on Friday afternoon.
Game One
Spartans fall 3-1 in 10 innings
BOX SCORE
Spartan starter Josh Eastman attacked the Luther (14-14, 9-7 Iowa Conference) hitters from the outset after tossing 30 of his first 36 pitches for strikes. The Edgerton, Wis. native did not give up his first run until the fifth inning when Luther plated their only earned run off a sacrifice fly.
After Austin McWhite's RBI-single in the bottom of the sixth tied it up, it came down to a crucial pair of fielding miscues for the Spartans (11-17, 6-10 Iowa Conference) in the top of the 10th that allowed the Norse to take the lead. Luther's leadoff hitter reached via an error and was followed up by a single. The two would later score on a throwing error to first.
McWhite secured the Spartans lone RBI and led a group of six Spartans batters that each had one hit.
Despite the tough-luck loss, Eastman (2-5) was impressive after giving up six hits while striking out three in his fourth complete game of the season. On the other side of the pitcher's dual was Luther's Klinsporn (5-0) who allowed one earned run and five hits in 9.0 innings of work.
Game Two
Spartans fall 8-6 in 8 innings
BOX SCORE
An RBI-double and RBI-single by the Norse in the top of the eighth secured the narrow victory as the Spartans suffered defeat for the second time. The pitchers shut down the opposing bats in game one, but they came alive in game two as both teams racked up 10 hits each.
Both SS Ryan Karrick and LF/RF Jacob Evans paced the Spartans with two hits and one run each. Karrick joined a contingent of four players, who each had one RBI. The foursome included 3B Dalton Garst whose RBI-single up the left side tied the game up at 6-6 in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The lead changed hands five times with the Spartans in the driver's seat at 4-3 after two innings and 5-4 through six innings. A 2-out, two-RBI double by the Norse shortstop in the top of the sixth-inning was enough for Luther as they eventually sealed the deal after Garst's game-tying hit an inning later.
Spartan starter LHP Trent Van Egtern was tagged for two runs in the first inning, but settled down to give up four earned runs and five hits in 4.2 innings of work. Right-hander Jacob Padilla (1-3) suffered defeat after allowing Luther's final two runs on three hits in his only inning on the bump.
The Spartans have dropped their last three meetings to Luther and are now 40-80 all-time against the Norse.
UD will have a chance to even the series against the Norse starting tomorrow, April 18 at 1:00 p.m.
