Kirman, Roberts spark Simpson in midweek victory

INDIANOLA, Iowa – A two-run single from Alex Kirman in the fifth inning proved to be the difference as the Simpson College baseball team held off Cornell for a 5-3 nonconference win on Thursday at McBride Field.

The Storm (9-13) did all their damage across just two innings, capitalizing on timely at-bats and solid pitching down the stretch. In the second inning, Simpson jumped on the board when Trenten Kingrey was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Moments later, Nate Cagley brought home Jacob Roberts with a deep sacrifice fly to left, giving the Storm an early 2-0 edge.

Cornell (8-12) rallied to tie the game at 2-2 in the fourth, but Simpson quickly responded. Roberts laced an RBI double down the left field line in the fifth to reclaim the lead, and Kirman followed with a two-run single through the right side to provide key insurance.

Simpson's bullpen held firm the rest of the way. Mitchell Roeder earned the win in relief, working two innings and allowing just one run, while Dylan Schlee shut the door with a scoreless ninth to pick up the save.

STANDOUT PERFORMERS

• Alex Kirman: 1 hit, 2 RBI
• Jacob Roberts: 1 hit, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 2 runs
• Kasey Carter: 2 walks, 2 runs
• Trenten Kingrey: 1 hit, 1 RBI
• Mitchell Roeder: win, 2.0 IP, 1 run, 4 hits
• Dylan Schlee: save, 1.0 IP, 2 strikeouts

UP NEXT
Simpson has the weekend off and will return to action Tuesday in Cedar Rapids against RV Coe.