DUBUQUE, Iowa (March 24, 2023) - The Buena Vista University baseball team opened American Rivers Conference play with a pair of road wins against the University of Dubuque on Friday afternoon.
GAME 1
The Beavers trailed early after allowing a pair of runs in the home half of the first. This proved to be no issue for BVU hitters. The lineup capitalized on Dubuque miscues en route to a six-run third inning outburst. Dubuque responded in the fourth inning to narrow their deficit. BVU would add on five insurance runs, but the third inning outburst proved to be all the Beaver's pitching staff needed. Morgan Smith and Logan Lape-Brinkman combined to hold Dubuque scoreless the final five innings securing an 11-5 victory.
Smith earned his third win of the season after a seven-inning effort where he allowed five runs (four earned) on 10 hits and two walks while striking out six. With the win, Smith's record on the year improves to 3-1. Lape-Brinkman closed out with two one-hit innings.
BVU's lineup boasted yet another high scoring performance. Beaver hitters compiled 11 runs on 16 hits. The charge was led by reigning A-R-C player of the year, Evan Taylor. Taylor drove in two and scored twice on three hits. He was one of six hitters to post multi-hit performances. Calvin Harris and Logan Mueller also recorded three hits each. Tegan Bock, Jordan Mathewson, and Joel Garcia each recorded two.
GAME 2
The Beavers looked to continue where they left off in game one, but their lineup was held at bay to start the game. Dubuque carried a no hitter into the fourth inning before Evan Taylor doubled into right-center to get BVU going. Taylor would come around to score on a single from Calvin Harris. They would add on in the next two innings courtesy of RBI singles from Taylor and Caden Mathewson. Dubuque finally got on the board in the seventh via a fielder's choice, but Garcia immediately answered the next half inning to extend the Beavers lead back to three runs. Dubuque struck again in the home half of eighth. This time rallying for four runs and the lead. The Beavers looked to rally in the ninth. Jordan Mathewson grounded out to start the inning before Drew Taylor reached on an error. Brother Evan then swapped places with Drew on a fielder's choice. A Harris single advanced Taylor to second. A balk would advance both runners setting the stage for Garcia. Garcia responded in a big way with a single through the left side scoring both runners. The clutch knock gave the Beavers a 6-5 lead heading into the bottom half of the final frame. The lead proved to be enough as the Beavers stifled a Dubuque rally attempt, securing a 6-5 victory.
Dalton Glenn earned a no decision after allowing just one run across 5.1 innings. Glenn worked through traffic most of the game allowing nine baserunners. Zach Pleggenkuhle was first in relief of Glenn. Pleggenkuhle allowed two runs across 1.2 innings. Zach Beekman allowed two runs while not recording an out. Harris allowed Beekman's runners to score, but limited the damage recording 2.0 scoreless innings. The effort earned Harris the winning decision.
Garcia led the Beavers efforts offensively. Including the game winning hit in the ninth, Garcia recorded three RBI on four hits while scoring once. Garcia's hits were four of 12 for the Beavers. Harris and Evan Taylor both contributed two hit performances.
NEXT UP: BVU will conclude the conference opening matchup as they go for the series sweep with a Sunday afternoon matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.