GU Drops Conference DH at Culver-Stockton, Series Finale Set for Tuesday

CANTON, Mo. – The Graceland University baseball team dropped both games of a Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) doubleheader to Culver-Stockton College on Saturday at Nichols Field. The Yellowjackets fell 1-0 in game one before Culver-Stockton claimed game two, 11-2. The losses extended Graceland's losing streak to seven games, dropping the team to 14-20 overall and 7-11 in conference play. Culver-Stockton improved to 10-16 overall and 4-10 in HAAC competition.

Game One: Culver-Stockton 1, Graceland 0

Jacob Abernathey delivered a strong start for the Yellowjackets, tossing 6.1 innings, allowing one earned run on six hits while striking out one. The game remained scoreless into the seventh until Culver-Stockton walked it off. After Eli Friend singled and moved into scoring position, Ryan Osso came through with a walk-off RBI single to center field to plate the only run of the contest. Graceland struggled offensively against Wildcats starter Davin Meier, who threw a complete-game shutout with two hits allowed, three walks, and six strikeouts. The only Yellowjackets to record hits were Gabriel Perez and JD Woodruff.

Game Two: Culver-Stockton 11, Graceland 2

Culver-Stockton struck early, scoring four runs in the first inning and added to their lead with a consistent offensive attack. The Wildcats tallied 15 hits, scoring in five of six offensive frames. The damage was led by Jordan Scott, who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, and Tristan Meny, who also had three hits. Izaac Rabelo took the loss for Graceland, allowing four earned runs in the first inning. Relief came from Mason Krogsgaard, Brian Knutsen, Kellen Cameron, Luke Frost, and Cade Witzke, who combined for five innings of work. The Yellowjackets got on the board in the sixth when Ramsel Jerez doubled and later scored on an RBI single by Carson Chiprez. In the seventh, Juan Guzman came off the bench to deliver a single and later scored on a groundout by Ian Martinez. Chiprez, Zach Tanabe, Matt Klonsinski, Jerez, and Guzman each collected one hit for Graceland. Defensively, the Yellowjackets committed one error and turned one double play.

Despite the losing streak, head coach Brad Payne remains focused on execution and building consistency.

"Today was frustrating, no doubt. We pitched well enough in game one to win, and in game two, we just didn't match their energy early," Payne said. "That said, our guys continue to fight, and I believe in where we're headed. We're still learning how to execute pitch-to-pitch and take advantage of moments. If we clean up the small details—on the mound, at the plate, and defensively—we'll give ourselves a chance to win every day."

Next Up: Series Finale on Tuesday

Due to weather changes, the Yellowjackets and Wildcats will conclude their four-game series on Tuesday, April 1, with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m., followed by game two at approximately 3:30 p.m. at Nichols Field in Canton, Missouri.
For more information on Graceland baseball and all Graceland University athletics, visit GUjackets.com.