April 9, 2007 Recap

April 9, 2007

Lamoni, IA- After slipping in to the NAIA top 25 national baseball polls last week, William Jewell College came into square off against Graceland University in a make-up double-header on Monday afternoon. Despite the Jacket’s efforts, the Cardinals were able to turn back the Jackets in both games, by final scores of 14-3 and 5-3. Both teams were forced to deal with frigid conditions throughout the afternoon.

Graceland doesn’t have to wait long in their hopes of revenge against the Cardinals, as they travel tomorrow, April 10th, to once again participate in a double dose of action against William Jewell. With the pair of losses, the Jackets overall record drops to 16-18 and 4-11 within the Heart of America Athletic Conference play.

Game One

From the onset, you could tell it wasn’t Chris Hayes day. The Jackets most dependable starter throughout much of the season was tagged for seven earned runs in his start against WJC while facing a tough lineup and some unfortunate luck as well. After plating a run in the opening inning, the Cardinals put together five more in the second inning in which they collected a total of three infield hits. Hayes lasted five innings on the day before being relieved by right-hander Kyle Palmer. Palmer was touched for three runs in his two frames while also recording a pair of strikeouts.

The Jackets’ bats were held in check for most of game one until the bottom half of the seventh when speedy centerfielder Rudy Vallejos connected on a three-run homerun to put the Blue and Gold on the board. Third-baseman Tyler Moe contributed a pair of hits in the opening game loss while senior right-fielder Adrian Kerr tallied a hit, a walk, and a stolen base.

The Cardinals, whose record now stands at 26-10 on the season, scored five runs in their half of the seventh to put the game out of reach. Left-hander Jesse McSpadden went the distance for the Cardinals and picked up the victory on the mound.

Game Two

The second game of the twin bill featured the second consecutive strong outing by junior lefty Tyler Wright. Despite picking up the defeat, in the Jacket’s 5-3 loss, Wright was sharp throughout and lasted into the seventh inning. Wright allowed eight hits and five runs on the afternoon while walking three and striking out four. Hard-throwing Dominican Republic native Max Escrogin came on in the seventh to record the final two outs without allowing a base-runner.

Slugging third-baseman Tyler Moe once again provided the Jacket’s with offensive production as he connected on his fifth homerun of the year in the sixth inning to get the Jackets going. Vallejos chipped in a double while also scoring a run.

Henry Duke, a versatile player for head coach Brady McKillip, who has seen time at second base, third base, the outfield, and as a designated hitter started game two behind the plate while also adding a pair of singles in three at-bats.

The Jackets would threaten in the bottom of the seventh as they loaded the bases. However, after an Angel Suarez RBI single gave GU its third run of the game, William Jewell right-hander Mark Brackman, who went all seven innings strong, struck out Moe to end the threat and the game.


For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Michael Brown, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mibrown@graceland.edu