By Joshua J. Darling, Sports Information Director
LAGRANGE, Ga. – No. 2/3 LaGrange (6-2, 0-0 CCS) overcame an early deficit and blew out visiting Adrian (1-3, 0-0 MIAA) by a 12-3 score in an NCAA Division III baseball game on Tuesday, February 28.
A scoreless first inning would give way to a second that would see a combined eight runs, beginning with three by Adrian. The Bulldogs would load the bases with two outs and then score all three when Jakob Charles' popup to right field fell in to clear the bases.
That 3-0 lead would be shortlived as the Panthers came right back with five runs on six hits to take a 5-3 lead. Three of the four singles in the inning would bring home runs while junior first baseman Tray Owens (Franklin, Ga.) doubled home another.
The next three and a half innings would see just two hits, both by LaGrange, before they put together some two-out magic in the bottom of the sixth. That frame would see junior catcher David Smigelski (Canton, Ga.) jack a solo shot and a single, hit-by-pitch and wild pitch loaded the bases. That set the table for junior outfielder Noah Preuer (Peachtree City, Ga.) who poked a single through the right side to score two and take a commanding 8-3 lead.
LC would then add on in each of the next two innings as they plated two runs in each. Senior third baseman Joe Ruth (Chiefland, Fla.) laced a two-RBI double in the seventh and single and fielder's choice put the finishing touches on the eventual 12-3 victory.
Despite the three runs, none would be constitute and RBI for any of the Bulldogs and six different players accounted for the team's six hits. Michael Swanson started but lasted only one inning as he allowed six hits and four runs to eventually suffer the loss and drop to 0-1.
Preuer led the way for the Panthers as he went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored and a double and junior outfielder Rhett Mixon (Loganville, Ga.) was 3-for-5 with a walk and a pair of runs.
Smigelski went 2-for-5 with a run and RBI off his solo homerun and junior outfielder Gabriel Pallo (Melbourne, Fla.) was 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a run. Eduardo Peralta (David, Chirqui, Panama) delivered his third straight strong start, throwing 5.1 innings and allowing three runs – none earned – while striking out an impressive 10. He moves to 3-0 on the year.
UP NEXT
LaGrange is right back in action this weekend as they host North Carolina Wesleyan in a three-game set from March 4-5. First pitch of the Day 1 doubleheader is set 2 p.m. with the finale on Sunday, March 5 set for 12 p.m.
