Two-run eighth lifts Buena Vista over Storm in home opener

INDIANOLA, Iowa -- Tanner Jansen enjoyed a strong outing on the mound and Kolton Arnold had a game-high three hits, but a two-run eighth inning proved to be the difference as Buena Vista edged the Simpson baseball team 4-2 in the home opener Friday.

Buena Vista scored the go-ahead run on a throwing error in the eighth. A bunt single by Coleman Roberts brought in an insurance tally and lefty Gage Smart shut the door from there, retiring the final nine batters to earn the win in relief.

The Beavers (7-7, 1-0 American Rivers) built a 2-0 lead with one run each in the third and fourth. Bryce Rhealt drove in the first run on a sacrifice fly and Roberts brought in Peyton Renning on an infield single.

Simpson trailed 2-0 before back-to-back doubles by Zach Hollingsworth and Arnold helped the Storm (6-3, 0-1) tie the game in the fifth. Richie Hintz started the two-out rally with a single, scoring from first on the two-bagger by Hollingsworth.

Jansen allowed four runs—three earned—in 7 1/3 innings of work, striking out six and walking three. Brett Kauzlarich gave up three hits and struck out two in 1 2/3 innings of relief.

Simpson missed an opportunity in the first inning, putting runners at first and third with one out. Buena Vista got out of the jam with a 5-4-3 double play, preserving the scoreless tie.

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Simpson and Buena Vista conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.