Quakers split double header with Wabash
by Bryant Foreman
The Quakers played in two low-scoring games on Monday night against the Wabash Little Giants at McBride Stadium. The Quakers looked strong in the first game due to some great defense and exceptional hitting. However, Earlham was unable to capitalize on a few opportunities in the second and were defeated, 3-1.Throughout the course of the first game, the Quakers turned to freshman Adam Painter, who got the win after throwing a complete game. Painter (3-4), who has shown signs of major improvement since the beginning of the season, pitched a shutout all the way through the sixth inning until the Little Giants batted in a run. Wabash was also able to get eight hits off Painter. However, the Quakers were able to hold Wabash off for the remainder of the game and put three runs on the board in the process. Painter retired five batters and walked two more during the contest.
When asked about the play of the team the first game, Painter responded, “Well we played a solid, error-free defense, and I think we did a good job mixing pitches up to keep their hitters off balance. Offensively, we struggled a bit but did enough to get the win.”
On the other end of Painter’s pitches, freshman Kyle Stauffer was able to get into a synchronized rhythm throughout the first game, as well. Stauffer said, “Adam had pin point control at the plate today, and Wabash just couldn’t handle it.”
Although the Quakers only had four hits during the first game, they were able to score during timely situations and by stealing bases properly.
Sophomore Jake Carr, who went 2-3 and had gunned a runner out at first for the first win, said, “We got a great look from Adam, and played great defense with a low number of mistakes. Although we didn’t have many hits, the ones that we connected on, came at the right time.”
The second game started out slow for both teams. Each team was scoreless through the fourth inning. Wabash was able to get a two-run shot from Shaun Rico in the fourth. Rico is currently tied for the conference lead in home runs (six). However, pitcher junior Alex Anderson, who pitched the complete game, showed his tenacity throughout the rest, only giving up one more run to the Little Giants.
Freshman Andrew Morrical put the Quakers on the board with an RBI in the fourth, as well. Once again, Earlham played great defense, but was unable to get things going at the plate. The Quakers fell to Wabash in the second game, 3-2. However, the team was able to get a few more hits than the last game with a total of six, led by junior Danny Bridge, who had two.
Senior Corey Gareri said, “It was good to get another conference win, but we all wish that we would’ve swept Wabash to win both of these close games. We will get another chance to do so in a few weeks.”
The Quakers, who are now 13-15 (2-6), play at Denison on Saturday and Sunday. Both games are scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
