Written by Josh Garcia
BVU Sports Information Student Intern
STORM LAKE, Iowa (April 29, 2022) - The Buena Vista baseball team was back on its home turf on Friday afternoon to begin a three-game weekend series with the University of Dubuque. The Beavers utilized some timely hits to pick up a thrilling 5-4 win.
The Spartans got off to a quick start in the first inning picking up two runs off a two-run homerun from first baseman Mitch Pomeroy.
The score would remain 2-0 until the bottom of the 3rd when catcher Grant Oseka got the Beavers on the board by lofting an RBI single into left field. Designated hitter Evan Taylor would later give the Beavers their first lead at 3-2 with a sharp two-run single down the right field line in the 5th. Oseka would add on with an RBI double down the line in left in the 7th.
BVU came through with a big 3-6-3 double play to end a Dubuque threat in the seventh when they put runners at the corners and just one out, but the Spartans showed some resiliency in the 8th, answering with a two run homerun from shortstop Parker Allen, tying the game 4-4. The game would not remain tied long as second baseman Jordan Mathewson would hit a clutch go ahead solo homerun the opposite way in the Beavers half of the inning.
With a 5-4 lead heading into the 9th, the Beavers would bring in closer Calvin Harris to attempt to secure the win. Harris managed to work around a leadoff walk when Oseka picked him off first, and then retired the side on just four hitters giving the Beavers a 5-4 win. Harris collected his fifth save of the year.
Morgan Smith had a solid day on the mound, allowing four runs on seven hits and a walk across 7.1 innings while striking out seven. Smith has pitched at least seven full innings in four of his six conference outings this season. Mason Gehling faced two batters and earned the winning decision and is now 5-2 overall. Seth Crandall was charged with the lost for the visiting Spartans.
Jordan Mathewson, Joel Garcia, Evan Taylor, Grant Oseka, and Calvin Harris all recorded multi-hit performances for the Beavers. Harris and Oseka both recorded multi-RBI performances as well.
The win pushes the Beavers record to 22-11. They will be back in action against the Spartans again on Sunday for a double header. First pitch is at 2:00 p.m.