Eikenberry wins battle of southpaws

NEOSHO, Missouri- Sophomore lefty Taylor Eikenberry was pounding the strike zone versus Crowder Community College as he had a noticeable Game 1 outing. In 7.0 innings, Eikenberry gave up four hits, four unearned runs, and struck out 11 Roughrider hitters. Iowa Western had a four-run fourth inning and went on to win 7-4.

The home team struck first as they took advantage of two misplayed balls by Reivers defenders, taking an early 1-0 lead after two innings.

Sophomore left fielder Tanner Moore led off the fourth inning with a single to left field and freshman catcher Levi Meyer followed with a single to right field. Sophomore right fielder Adam Lavelle (1-for-3, R, RBI) hit a line drive past the short stop to score Moore and tie the game at one run a piece. Freshman second baseman Sam Bumpers (2-for-4, R, RBI) brought home Meyer on a single off of the third baseman's glove. Freshman center fielder Ryan Popescu (1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI) gave the Reivers a 4-1 lead, hitting a double down the left field line.

In the bottom half of the sixth inning, Justin Treece reached on an error and David Guarno (2-for-4, 3B, 2 RBI) would take advantage of an RBI opportunity by hitting a triple to right-center field. This would cut the Reivers lead to 4-2.

Freshman shortstop Chris Waylock (2-for-4, R, 2 2B) led the top of the seventh inning with a double down the left field line. Freshman designated hitter David Bruchu (2-for-3, R, RBI) singled to right field to score Waylock and extend the lead to three runs.

Crowder would not roll over as John Neill and Alex Larkin singled to lead off the bottom of the eighth inning. Colby Roberts would sacrifice bunt to third base and reach on a throwing error. Neill scored from second and Head Coach Marc Rardin would make a call to the bullpen for freshman left-hander Andy Roberts. Guarno would hit a sacrifice fly to right to score Larkin and cut the lead to one run.

Bruchu led the offense once again as he was hit by a pitch. Freshman third baseman Damek Tomscha (2-for-4, R) followed with a single to left field. Moore put a perfectly placed sacrifice bunt down that would cause a throwing error and score Bruchu. With runners on the corners, sophomore first baseman Kevin Starr grounded out and scored Tomscha to extend the lead back to three runs.

Andy Roberts would earn his second save of the season, working two innings, and Eikenberry would earn his second win of the season. The losing southpaw from Crowder was Brandon Taylor.

The win today gives the Reivers a 4-game win streak and ups the season record to 12-10. Games 2 and 3 of the series will be played Sunday, March 20th with first pitch being thrown at 1:00 PM CST.