MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Augustana baseball (2-0) defeated the 14
th-ranked Gorloks of Webster University (1-1) earlier today by an 11-9 score. The Vikings built a large lead in the middle innings but had to lead on clutch pitching and situational offense down the stretch to outlast the Gorloks' late push.
Webster struck first in the third inning on an Adam Lovell single. The margin remained 1-0 until the sixth inning when both teams exploded for a combined 14 runs. Augustana began the frame with a fielder's choice RBI off the bat of
Matt Ozanic followed by a
Kyle Wise single. The Vikings got some help from Webster to score four runs on a hit by pitch and three wild pitches. The Gorloks' sixth inning started with a Parker Wielt two-RBI double. Webster plated two more runs in the frame on a walk and a balk. Zach Goodman's delivered another two-RBI double to finish the fireworks in the sixth.
Leading 8-7,
Kyle Campbell drove in the lone run of the seventh inning on a single to left field. The Vikings put up another apparent insurance run to start the eight stanza on an
Alex Simon single. Webster, however, to go down easily. With the bases loaded, A.J. Smith sent a single to left field to score two. The Augustana defense made an excellent play to maintain lead by gunning down Smith attempting to stake an extra base.
Augustana led 10-9 heading into the final inning.
Jacob Barker singled in the final insurance run of the game in the top of the ninth to reach the eventual final score of 11-9.
Harrison Boushele started and picked up the win for Augustana. The sophomore righty went 5.1 innings while striking out five and walking just one. Webster's starter, Alex Elges, took the loss for the Gorloks while going five full innings with four strikeouts.
Five Vikings recorded multiple hits including Barker, Simon, Ozanic, Campbell, and Vrbancic. Wise drove two runs in to lead Augie in that category. McGinnis and Ozanic each crossed home twice.
The Vikings will finish their weekend in Memphis tomorrow morning with a matchup against the Fontbonne University Griffins at 9:30 A.M.
