Big Innings from Lancers Lead to Sweep on Day Two in California
Feb. 7, 2010
Box Score
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - On another tough day in terms of weather in California, the Davenport baseball team was doomed by free passes and big innings. The Panthers fell to California Baptist twice with scores of 11-2 and 14-3 as the host Lancers scored all 25 runs in a matter of four innings on the day. The Panthers issued 25 free passes and the host Lancers would capitalize to score 25 runs on 18 hits.
Cal Baptist would strike early in the first game as they put up six runs in the first and five more runs in the third inning to complete their scoring for the game. The Panthers bats were held hitless until the fourth inning when the Panthers would break the no-hitter and get their lone run of the game as Matt Collins (Akron, Ohio) homered to deep right.
Davenport managed only five hits in the game off of the bats of Rob Bolster (Blissfield, Mich.), Matt Collins, Derrick Gentile (Stturgis, Mich.), Jake Loomans (Grandville, Mich.), and Travis Laver (Holland, Mich.).
Jesse Schneider (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) took the loss for the Panthers as he went just 2/3 of an inning in the start. The Panthers pitching was highlighted by freshman Cody VanKoevering (Jenison, Mich.) who threw 3 and 1/3 innings of shutout ball while recording two strikeouts.
Game 2 featured the Panthers getting out to an early lead while scoring three runs in the 2nd inning. Austin Licon (Rockford, Ill.) would get the Panthers started with a double and after Brian Spykerman (Anaheim, Calif.) reached on an error and a Dan Brown (Bay City, Mich.) walk, Gentile singled through the right side to bring home Licon.
The Panthers would score another run on a double play turned by the Lancers and their final run of the inning came on an error by the Lancers to give the Panthers a three-run lead.
The Lancers used a sloppy pitching performance from the Panthers to score four runs in the bottom of the 3rd to give them a one run lead. The Panthers would threaten in the top of the 5th as they got two runners on with no outs. After a couple of failed bunt attempts, the Panthers would be retired on three straight strikeouts to end the threat.
The Lancers then took advantage of the Panthers' bullpen in the bottom of the 5th as they scored 10 runs, capitalizing on five walks and two hit batters in the inning.
Andy Westerburg took the loss for the Panthers while pitching four innings, giving up four runs on five hits.
The Panthers end the road trip with a 1-3 record and return to action on February 22nd when they travel to Florida. Many of the Florida games can be followed on the "DAN".
