Simpson outlasts Loras in high-scoring contest

INDIANOLA, Iowa - In a game that saw a combined 35 runs, 32 hits and 13 errors, Simpson made fewer mistakes and mustered just enough pitching and defense to come away with a 20-15 win against Loras Friday night at McBride Field.

Corey Rasmussen (West Des Moines, Iowa/Valley) was one of three Simpson players with three hits, going 3-for-6 with an RBI while extending his hitting streak to 15 games. He crossed home three times as the Storm (12-7, 6-2 IIAC) scored the most runs in a game since putting up 21 in a 21-8 win against Bethel in 2008.

Justin Svehla (Lincoln, Neb./Northeast) went 3-for-5 and drove in three runs, Tyler Crandell (Ames, Iowa/Ames) went 3-for-6 with an RBI and Scott Ethell (Knoxville, Iowa/Knoxville) went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. The Storm also benefitted from eight errors by the Loras defense: of Simpson's 20 runs, only nine were earned.

Simpson committed five errors in the game and left 13 runners on base. Loras stranded 10 runners.

Freshman Jose Rodriguez (Huntley, Ill./Huntley) earned the first win of his career, tossing five innings in relief of starter Kyle Hanna (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny). Hanna exited after giving up nine runs - three earned - off six hits in two innings.

Calvin Rea collected a game-high four hits (4-for-6) to lead the Duhawks (6-12, 1-4), who lost their eighth-straight game. Kyle Soeder drove in three runs and Kyler Laurie took the loss after giving up eight runs - four earned - in the first inning.

Simpson appeared to have the game in hand after plating eight runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an 8-0 lead. But Loras countered with seven runs in the top of the second, pulling within 8-7.

The Storm added three more in the second to take an 11-7 lead after two and Simpson led 13-12 heading into the bottom of the fourth before adding six runs in the frame. Simpson needed only one hit in the inning to plate the six runs, taking advantage of four errors, two walks and one hit batter.

Dave Johnson (West Des Moines, Iowa/Valley) added two doubles and two RBIs off 2-for-3 hitting.

Simpson concludes its series with Loras Saturday, April 10 at McBride Field with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. The game can be heard via Webcast at www.kedb.fm, as Simpson student Zach James will have the call.