Joseph Belarde hit for the first cycle in the 2018 D-III season. IWU photo By Destiny Colon, dmc photography

Jacksonville, Illinois - The Iowa Wesleyan University baseball team wrapped up their weekend series against Lawrence University this afternoon.  The Tigers scored a total of  thirty-three runs in two games this afternoon, winning 26-24 in the first game of the double-header, and falling 10-7 in the final game.

The Tigers opened up the day with a nine inning game against the Vikings. Lawrence's offense jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning, but Iowa Wesleyan bounced back in the bottom of the inning, scoring nine runs with the help of five hits and an error by the Vikings.

Iowa Wesleyan trailed 12-10 as they headed to the bottom of the fifth inning. Joseph Belarde (SR/Fountain, CO) and Parker Leland (JR/Parker, CO) each tripled in the bottom of the fifth, and the Tigers were able to plate two runs to tie the game up at 12-12.  IW's offense exploded once again in the bottom of the seventh when the scored eight runs off of seven hits and an error by Lawrence.  Belarde came to the plate with bases loaded and cleared the bases with a grand slam.  Matthew Murphy (SR/Keokuk, IA) tripled to drive in two runs, and Payne hit a single to drive in the final run of the inning to bring the score to 23-16.

Both teams added three runs in the eighth inning, giving Iowa Wesleyan a 26-19 lead heading into the top of the ninth.  Lawrence made a late charge, scoring five runs in the top of the ninth. The Tigers were able to end the rally and hang on for the 26-24 win.

Joseph Belarde had a huge day at the plate in the opening game.  Belarde hit for the cycle and ended the game with a single, two doubles, a triple, and two home runs, one of which was a grand slam.

In the second game of the day,  Iowa Wesleyan once again had to play catch up after the opening inning. IW trailed 6-0 when they came to the plate in the bottom of the second inning.  The Tigers were able to get their first two runners on base in the second inning after Matthew Murphy singled and Alex Panye reached on an error. Belarde recorded an RBI after drawing a walk, and Chazz Brown (JR/Chicago, IL) drove in IW's second run with a sacrifice fly.

Iowa Wesleyan added two more runs in the bottom of the fourth when Tyler Cooksey (SR/Fairfield, IA) hit a two run double to center field.  Lawrence extended their lead to 8-4 in the top of the fifth inning.  The Tigers were able to get within one run in the bottom of the fifth after scoring three runs on two hits. Chazz Brown picked up an RBI after drawing a walk and Parker Leland recorded an RBI after getting hit by a pitch. IW's final run came when Belarde scored on a wild pitch.  The Tigers were held scoreless in the final two innings, and they suffered a 10-7 loss in the final game of the day.

Matthew Murphy and Michael Rojas (JR/West Valley City, UT) led the Tiger offense in the second game.  They each went 2-4 from the plate and scored a run in the loss. Chazz Brown and Tyler Cooksey each had a team high two RBIs.

Iowa Wesleyan will be back in action on March 3rd. They will take on Robert Morris University-Springfield in Jacksonville, Illinois at Lenz field at 1 pm.  The Tigers are now 2-1 on the season.

Tiger Athletics: Iowa Wesleyan University strives to provide its student-athletes the opportunity to be successful in life and sports. Engaged in the SLIAC and UMAC Conferences, Tiger athletics is a proud member of NCAA Division III.