Storm close disappointing series at Luther

DECORAH, Iowa - The Simpson baseball team closed a frustrating weekend against Luther on Saturday, getting no-hit in a 1-0 loss in the opener and surrendering a three-run lead in a 4-3 loss in game two.

Blake Peterson threw the no-hitter in game one for the Norse (18-7, 8-6 Iowa Conference), who swept the four-game series. Peterson (4-0) struck out seven and ended Austin Burlin's remarkable hitting streak at 30 games.

Peterson's no-hitter spoiled a great outing by Brock Borgeson, who suffered the loss despite allowing just three infield hits and one unearned run. Borgeson (4-3) fanned eight and walked just one for the Storm (8-19, 5-11), but was hurt by an error to lead off the fourth inning. The lone run of the game eventually scored on a sacrifice fly Bryce Hingst.

Looking to salvage one game on the weekend, Simpson started off strong in game two as a two-RBI double by Bud Smith sparked a three-run first inning. Luther put up single tallies in the second and sixth, but Simpson led 3-2 going into the ninth.

On in relief of Gage Reis, Adam Richman (0-1) tossed scoreless frames in the seventh and eighth. In the ninth, he hit four of five batters, allowing the tying run to score. With two outs and the bases loaded, Cody Reimer drove in the game-winning run on an infield single.

Reis allowed eight hits and two runs - both earned - in six innings. Reimer (3-0) pitched the ninth to get the win for Luther.

Up next: Simpson finishes its four-game series with Central on the road Tuesday, April 19.

Streak comes to a close

Austin Burlin's run of consecutive games with a hit began April 27, 2015 against Wartburg and ended Saturday, April 17. He hit .429 during the stretch with 15 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 22 RBIs. The senior has reached safely in 26 of 27 games in what has been a career year for the senior right fielder. 

"I probably realized I had a streak around game 23 or 24," Burlin said. "I think it humbled me a little more than anything because you don't realize how hard it is to do. It made me think that all the hard work I've put into baseball at this point in my life has paid off. It's made for some storytelling, if anything."