Graceland Baseball Splits Doubleheader Against Clarke University
NORWALK, Iowa – The Graceland University Yellowjackets baseball team split a doubleheader against the Clarke University Pride on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Warrior Baseball Field. The Yellowjackets dropped the first game 10-3 but rebounded in the second with a 5-3 victory. Graceland's record now stands at 8-10 overall and 2-3 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, while Clarke holds a 7-7 overall record and 1-0 in conference play.
Game 1: Clarke University 10, Graceland University 3
Clarke's Offensive Surge Secures Game 1 Victory
In the opener, Clarke University capitalized on a four-run fifth inning to secure a 10-3 win over Graceland. Key Moments: Second Inning: Graceland's Edwin Narvaez initiated the scoring with a solo home run to left field, giving the Yellowjackets an early 1-0 lead. Third Inning: Clarke responded as Andrew Brown hit a two-run home run, shifting the lead to the Pride at 2-1. Fourth Inning: Clarke extended their advantage with solo home runs from Dylan Eales and Brady Vantiger, making it 4-1. Fifth Inning: The Pride broke the game open with a four-run inning, highlighted by Andrew Brown's second home run of the game, a two-run shot, increasing the lead to 8-1. Sixth Inning: Graceland attempted a comeback with Gabriel Perez hitting a solo home run and Rafael Jerez delivering a sacrifice fly to score Zachary Tanabe, narrowing the gap to 8-3. However, Clarke added two more runs in the bottom half, sealing the 10-3 victory.
Graceland's Offensive Highlights: Gabriel Perez: 3-for-4, HR, RBI Edwin Narvaez: 2-for-3, HR, RBI Rafael Jerez: 2-for-2, RBI
Pitching Summary: Starter: Jose Abernathe (L, 0-1) – 3.1 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K Relief: Victor Leonardo – 2.1 IP, 4 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 1 K Relief: Kyle Cameron – 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K Relief: Kendry Cardejon – 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K Clarke's pitcher, Daniel Maietta (W, 1-0), pitched a complete game, allowing nine hits and three runs over seven innings, striking out eight.
Game 2: Graceland University 5, Clarke University 3
Yellowjackets Rally to Split Doubleheader
In the second game, Graceland showcased resilience, combining effective pitching and timely hitting to earn a 5-3 win. Key Moments: Second Inning: Carson Chiprez put Graceland on the board with an RBI single, giving the Yellowjackets a 1-0 lead. Third Inning: The Yellowjackets extended their lead to 3-0, capitalizing on a bases-loaded walk and a sacrifice fly by Matthew Klonsinsk. Fourth Inning: Clarke narrowed the deficit with a two-run double from Anthony Reynozo, making it 3-2. Fourth Inning (Bottom Half): Graceland responded as Zachary Tanabe delivered a crucial two-run double, restoring a three-run cushion at 5-2. Seventh Inning: Clarke threatened with bases loaded and no outs, but Kyle Cameron induced a double play and recorded a strikeout to preserve the 5-3 victory.
Graceland's Offensive Highlights: Zachary Tanabe: 1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBIs Carson Chiprez: 2-for-4, RBI Matthew Klonsinsk: 1-for-2, RBI
Pitching Summary: Starter: Kendry Cardejon (W, 1-2) – 5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K Closer: Kyle Cameron (S, 2) – 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Head Coach Brad Payne reflected on the day's performance, stating, "I'm proud of the way we bounced back in Game 2. We didn't play to our standard in the first game, but the team showed resilience and determination. Our pitching staff delivered under pressure, and our hitters came through in key moments. This split sets a positive tone as we move forward in the season."
Next Up
Graceland University and Clarke University will conclude their weekend series on Sunday, March 9, 2025, with a doubleheader scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Warrior Baseball Field in Norwalk, Iowa.
For more information on Graceland baseball and all Yellowjackets athletics, visit GUjackets.com.