Offense Guides Saints to Split With Colby in Game 2 Explosion

LIBERAL, Kan. – Seward and Colby experienced a doubleheader that had two very different types of games on Thursday afternoon at Brent Gould Field.

Game one was a pitching and defensive game that saw Colby (11-21, 4-13) win 4-2. Game two was an offensive explosion from the Saints (18-22, 10-4) as they won 19-7 in a run rule win.

The two teams will conclude the series in Colby on Saturday with first pitch at 1 p.m.

Game 1: Colby 4, Seward 2 (7 Inn.)

Seward got strong outings on the mound from starter Michael Lujan (L, 3-3) and reliever Braden Whipple but were only able to muster two runs on four hits in the loss.

Lujan allowed one earned run on two hits in 2.2 innings, striking out three and walking four. Whipple tossed the final 4.1 innings, allowing a lone run on four hits while striking out a season-high seven and walking one.

Colby took advantage of two Seward errors while outhitting the Saints 6-4. They plated three runs in the first. Seward cut it to one with back-to-back runs in the second and third, but Colby used a run in the top of the seventh to escape with the win.

Juan Alvarez and Blaine Chance were the lone Saints to drive in runs. Chancy hit his 10th home run of the season, a solo shot in the second.

Game 2: Seward 19, Colby 7 (7 Inn.)

Game two saw Seward tie a season-high with 18 hits on the way to the 19-7 run rule win. Mason Gilbert walked the game off with a grand slam in the bottom of the seventh.

The Saints plated six runs in two separate innings and led 7-0 before Colby got on the board in the fourth. Seven Saints recorded multiple hits with Mason Gilbert driving in seven runs, including the grand slam.

Gilbert hit two home runs in the game while Alvarez and Jhett Huffman each homered as well.

Brooks Kappelmann (W, 3-3) earned the win, throwing 5.0 innings, allowing three runs on six hits, striking out four, and walking three.