Storm ride quick start to win over Coe

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Simpson baseball team scored six runs in the first two innings en-route to a 10-6 win over Coe at Daniels Park on Friday afternoon.

Tied with Coe for second place in the conference going into the day, the win gives Simpson sole possession of second.

Michael Chia went 2-for-5 with four RBIs to lead the Storm (12-11, 6-3 Iowa Conference).

Chris Dorff got the win, improving to 3-4 on the season. He went eight innings, allowing six runs – four earned – on 13 hits. Jose Rodriguez retired the side in order in the ninth to seal the win.

Adam Nisenson went 3-for-5 with an RBI and Brennan Melloy went 3-for-4 with two doubles for the Kohawks (12-8, 5-4).

Simpson got started early, putting up four runs in the first inning. Tyler Crandell and Tyler Pawletzki each drove in a run in the inning and Chia added a two-RBI double.

Crandell went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base.

The Storm took advantage of a few Coe miscues to add to their lead in the second inning. A dropped fly ball and a wild pitch on a strikeout put runners on for Chia, who drove in two more on a single to center, giving Simpson a 6-0 lead after 1 1/2 innings.

Simpson tacked on runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings and led 9-5 after seven. Coe cut the lead to 9-6 with a run in the eighth, but Barr tripled to lead off the ninth and scored on a Tyler Craig single to give Rodriguez added cushion.

Craig finished the day with three hits, going 3-for-6 with two runs scored.

Coe starter Sean Raisch was chased after three innings, giving up eight hits and eight runs – all earned.

The series concludes Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.

Notes: Today's start marked the 62nd career appearance for Chris Dorff, who became Simpson's all-time leader with his relief showing Wednesday at Central.