STERLINGTON, La. (MacBulldogs.com) – The Bulldogs finished up play in The Cajun Collision 3-1 as they took down the Dakota State Trojans in their first game of the day but dropped game two to Nelson University on Saturday (Feb. 8).
Game One- Dakota State-8 McPherson-10
It was another hot start for MC as Jace Essig got the day started with a solo homerun in the bottom of the first to quickly give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead. Dakota State responded with three unanswered runs in their half of the second and third innings off a RBI single, a wild pitch and a fielder’s choice to give the Trojans a 3-1 lead. In need of a spark, Peyton Starr came up big with a two run single in the bottom of the third to tie the game up. A huge fielding error by the Bulldogs in top of the fourth scored two runs and spelled the end of the day for Daniel Norris, who surrendered seven hits and gave up five runs in his third outing of the season.
Down 6-3 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, it was comeback time for the Bulldogs. And comeback they did as a dropped third strike and a pair of bases loaded walks tied the game again. Dakota State reclaimed the lead in the eight inning, but an RBI single from Jared Kramp and a sacrifice fly from Colt Sussex-Uphold tied the game up at eight runs apiece. Heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Bulldogs needed just one big hit to secure a victory. Colin Evers delivered that big hit in the form of a two run homerun to walk it off and give the Bulldogs a 10-8 victory.
Game Two- Nelson-17 McPherson-4
The Lions took no time jumping right at the Bulldogs and take command, scoring six runs in the top of the first inning and taking complete control of the contest. Dawson Walters was able to cut into lead with a two run homerun to make it 6-2, but this served as the only offense for MC for much of the contest.
Nelson handled any pitcher MC threw against them, scoring 10 unanswered runs from the third inning to the seventh inning in a variety of ways. From walks with the bases laoded to RBI base hits to towering homeruns, Nelson poured it on and took down the Bulldogs in a convincing 17-4 final score.
The Bulldogs will be back in action on Saturday, February 15 if the weather permits when they open KCAC play against Tabor College. First pitch of the double header is set for 12:00 p.m.
