Simpson sweeps Loras in home opener

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson baseball team used strong pitching and timely hitting to sweep Loras 3-2 and 4-1 in Saturday's conference opener at McBride Field.

Tyler Craig hit a walk-off double in game one and Simpson took advantage of a Loras error to score four runs in the sixth inning of game two, erasing a 1-0 deficit.

Craig had four hits and three doubles on the day to lead the Storm (8-8, 2-0 Iowa Conference). Brett Crable and Tyler Crandell each had three hits, Kyle Ruehle went the distance on the mound for the game one win and Chris Dorff did the same in the nightcap.

The Duhawks (8-7, 0-2) struggled at the plate, getting only eight hits throughout the doubleheader. Mike Pudlo provided four of those hits, including a 3-for-3 effort in game one. Starting pitcher Will Petrosky cruised through the first five innings of game two, allowing only two hits and striking out seven before running into trouble in the sixth.

Game 1: Simpson 3, Loras 2
An RBI single by Taylor Nelson in the first and a run-scoring fielder's choice by Tyler Pawletzki in the third gave Simpson a 2-0 lead going into the fifth. In the fifth, Pudlo and Joe Walker scored on a throwing error to tie the game 2-2. Loras threatened for more runs, but Billy Kass grounded into a 5-2-3 doubleplay with the bases loaded and only one out.

Craig stepped to the plate with two outs and runners on first and second after reliever Donny Baran issued an intentional walk to Crandell. The left-handed Craig roped a Baran delivery high off the right-field fence for the walk-off win.

Ruehle (2-1) went seven innings, allowing five hits and striking out six in the win.

Game 2: Simpson 4, Loras 1
A pitcher's duel throughout the first three innings, Loras dented the plate in the fourth when a failed pickoff attempt by Simpson catcher Grant Thomas rolled into the outfield, allowing Clay Henricksen to score from third.

After controlling the Storm lienup throughout the game, Petrosky allowed a leadoff double to Craig to start the bottom of the sixth. Craig moved over on a groundout by Nelson and Petrosky was lifted in favor of Spencer Radabaugh to face Michael Chia with one out.

Chia hit a comebacker to Radabaugh but the throw went wide of the bag, allowing Craig to tie the game. Chia eventually scored the winning run on a wild pitch as Simpson scored three unearned runs in the inning.

Dorff (1-3) had his best outing of the young season, allowing three hits and striking out five in the complete-game effort.

Simpson and Loras will complete their weekend series Sunday with a single, nine-inning contest beginning at 1 p.m.