Luther bats overpower Storm in series finale

INDIANOLA, Iowa — Cody Reimer had three hits and four RBIs and Luther pounded out 18 hits to beat the Simpson baseball team 17-2 in eight innings in the series finale Saturday morning.

Three of Reimer's RBIs came on an inside-the-park home run in a four-run seventh that helped the Norse (15-11, 8-7 Iowa Conference) pull away. His line drive to the gap in right got over the head of Adam Richman and rolled all the way to the wall, allowing the speedy outfielder to circle the bases.

Nate Beckman (2-5) gave up one earned run off six hits in five innings. He was helped by a pair of inning-ending double plays and got out of trouble after allowing the leadoff man on in the second, third, fourth and fifth. 

Trent Dooley, Hunter Hillygus and Trey Kehoe had two hits apiece for the Storm (5-22, 2-13), who stranded nine runners for the game. The turning point came in the fifth inning when, trailing 5-2, Simpson loaded the bases with no outs but failed to plate a run after a fielder's choice and a double play. 

Curt Castenson (1-3) gave up four runs off four hits in four innings of work, walking five. Five Simpson pitchers combined to issue 11 free passes with 10 walks and one hit-by-pitch.

Joe Silversmith held Simpson to two hits over the final three innings to pick up his second save. 

Up next
Simpson hosts Coe in a three-game set next Friday and Saturday, April 21-22. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Friday.