Simpson beats Wartburg in extras to close 2024

WAVERLY, Iowa – The Simpson College baseball team scored three runs in the top of the 10th inning to defeat Wartburg 5-2 in the 2024 season finale.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the 10th, Ian Baldwin was hit by a pitch and Nate Cagley laced a single up the middle to provide Simpson (16-24, 9-15 A-R-C) its first lead of the contest. Sam Porter and Will Carlock hit RBI singles in the fifth and sixth innings to tie the game earlier at 2-2 and Andrew Weig pitched four scoreless innings of relief before Dylan Schlee came in and got the save in the 10th.

COMPLETE BREAKDOWN

• Wartburg (22-16, 12-11 A-R-C) plated one in the second and third innings, while Simpson generated seven baserunners but left them all stranded to trail 2-0 midway through the contest.
• The Storm broke through in the fifth, capitalizing on a leadoff double by Joel Sampson. He moved to third on a groundout by Ian Baldwin and scored on a base hit by Sam Porter.
• Simpson took advantage of another leadoff hit the next inning as Zach Fuller hit a single up the middle, advanced on a sacrifice bunt and scored from second courtesy of Will Carlock's single to right center.
• The visitors had their best opportunity to take the lead in the ninth, but left two runners in scoring position.
• After a second straight 1-2-3 inning for reliever Andrew Weig, Simpson cashed in three runs on two hits for a 5-2 lead in the 10th. Baldwin was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Nate Cagley drove in two insurance tallies with a base knock up the middle.
• The Knights opened the bottom half of the 10th with a pair of singles before Dylan Schlee took the mound and induced a double play and flyout to end the game.

STORM STANDOUTS

• Joel Sampson: 2 hits (1 double), 2 runs, 1 walk
• Zach Fuller: 2 hits, 2 runs
• Sam Porter: 2 hits, 1 RBI, 1 walk
• Nate Cagley: 1 hit, 2 RBI