ORANGE CITY, Iowa — Northwestern improved to 8-4 in GPAC play after a split on Saturday to end the four game weekend series.
GAME 1: NWC 6, HC 2
Win: Devin Dirkx (5-2)
Loss: Cameron Dahlgren
How it Happened
The Red Raiders' offense produced six runs on 11 hits, while their pitching staff limited the Broncos to two runs and 10 hits.
Northwestern secured the victory, marked by key performances in the second and fifth innings. In the second inning, Rychnovsky set the stage with a double to right-center, followed by
Calab Caciari's two-run homer to right field, putting the Raiders on top 2-0. Northwestern led 2-0 after two innings.
Hastings responded in the third inning, as Tyler Rojas scored on Peighton Vargas's groundout, but the Raiders maintained their lead.
Grant Guidry extended the advantage with a solo homer to center field, ending the third inning 3-1 in favor of the Red Raiders.
The fifth inning saw Northwestern's offense ignite once more.
Ranier Castillo opened with a double, and Craig followed with a single. Rychnovsky's double brought Castillo home, and Caciari's single to center field scored both Craig and Rychnovsky, increasing the Raiders' lead to 6-1 after five innings.
The Broncos added a run in the sixth inning with a solo homer by Levi Fletcher, but the Raiders' defense held firm. The final score was Northwestern 6, Hastings 2.
Game Notes
- Devin Dirkx had a quality start with 6 innings pitched and only 2 earned runs
- Caleb Caciari hit his first home run of the season, he also went 3 for 3 on the day with 4 RBI
- Grant Rychnovsky tacked on two doubles
GAME 2: NWC 3, HC 10
Win: Markus Miller
Loss: Montecinos, Peyton (3-2)
How it Happened
Hastings took an early lead in the first inning, with Tyler Rojas scoring on a Samuele Bruno single and Evan Morrison crossing the plate on a fielder's choice. This gave the Broncos a 2-0 advantage.
In the third inning, Hastings extended its lead to 3-0 following a throwing error during a failed pickoff attempt, which allowed Rojas to score. The Raiders responded in the bottom of the third.
Isaac Short doubled and was replaced by pinch runner
TJ Silliman, who advanced to third on a fielder's choice.
Brody Ayers scored on
Grant Guidry's RBI single, followed by
Devin Dirkx's two-run homer, tying the game at 3-3.
Hastings regained the lead in the sixth inning when Dylan Wimbs scored on an error, making it 4-3.
The ninth inning saw the Broncos pull away with six runs. Ben Richter scored on a sacrifice fly, and Rojas scored on an error. Levi Fletcher hit a grand slam, bringing the score to 10-3. The Red Raiders could not close the gap in the bottom of the ninth. The final score was Hastings 10, Northwestern (Iowa) 3.
Game Notes
Up Next: the Raiders will host Mount Mercy at 4 p.m. CT Tuesday, March 31 in Carroll, Iowa.
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