Wartburg beats Storm in 12 innings

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Billy Schmitt hit two home runs, including a three-run shot in the top of the 12th, as Wartburg beat Simpson 9-6 in 12 innings Sunday afternoon at McBride Field.

The Knights (20-16, 14-6 IIAC) took the series, 2-1 after the two teams split a doubleheader Saturday. Schmitt finished with five RBIs, getting Wartburg on the board with a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

With the game tied 5-5, Nate Lahr hit a solo homer to give Wartburg a one run lead heading into the ninth.

But before the ninth inning could begin, a storm front entered the area and the teams left the field for a 1 hour, 42 minute delay.

When play resumed, the Storm (18-14, 11-9) manufactured the tying run on a perfectly executed suicide squeeze by Drew Yarkosky (Albia, Iowa/Albia). Dave Johnson (West Des Moines, Iowa/Valley) came in to score on the play after leading off the inning with a double.

Simpson couldn't dent the plate in extras, going down in order in the 10th and 12th. In the 11th, Johnson got to second with one out after reaching on an error and advancing on a sacrifice bunt by Scott Ethell (Knoxville, Iowa/Knoxville), but was stranded.

Johnson had a game-high four hits, hit his eighth home run of the season and scored two runs.

Ryan Doty earned the win for the Knights, giving up a run in four innings. Doty (4-2) moved to the mound from third following the delay.

Simpson closer Chris Dorff (Urbandale, Iowa/West Des Moines Valley) took the loss, tossing six innings and surrendering four runs. Dorff (3-2) struck out nine of the 25 batters he faced.

The Storm's next action will come against Grinnell on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Simpson beat Grinnell in the two teams' last meeting, a 14-13, 10-inning victory on April 29 in Indianola.