Baseball Makes Most of Lone Win Against York

Sterling, Kan.- On a cold spring weekend in March, the Sterling College Warriors snuck in a single win against the York Panthers during their three game series. This series started rough for the Warriors, having a 13-run loss during the first game and taking a much closer 2-run loss in the second. Sterling took the final game of the series win an unbelievable comeback trailing by 10 in the final frame. The Warriors came back and walked off victorious taking one game of the weekend series.

Game One- Sterling -2 York -15

The first game proved York to be a relentless opponent for the Warriors, scoring eleven runs in the third inning and leaving Sterling scrambling the rest of the way. York seized every opportunity at the plate, sending 16 batters to the plate in the third inning alone. The Warriors achieved one run during their time at bat made by Layne Thacker, who scored on an unusual inside the park homerun. That was all Sterling was able to muster as an answer to York's eleven-run third.

The Warriors collected another run in the sixth inning from Luis Morales. After being hit by the pitch, Morales advanced to second after a single from Aaron Johnson. Eduardo Tarafa singled into right field, allowing Morales to score his run. The inning finished quickly after, fixing the score at 11-2, York. The Panthers scored four more runs in the top of the seventh making it 15-2. Sterling was not able to get anything going in the seventh.

Camrin Wleczyk and Gentry Bradbury shared the pitcher's mound this game, Wleczyk getting the start and taking the loss. Wleczyk pitched two and two-thirds innings, giving up 10 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits, and had 4 strikeouts. Bradbury gave up five runs on six hits and struck out one York batter.

Game Two- Sterling -1 York -3

The Warriors performed much better in this game, keeping the runs for York low and the opportunities short.

York scored one run in the first and one in the second inning while keeping the Warrior's baserunners at bay. The Warriors got on the scoreboard in the sixth inning after York's long turn at bat. Morales scored yet again for the Warriors after back to back to back singles by Morales, Elijah Howard and Johnson. That was Sterling's only run and the final run scored of the game. Sterling dropped the second game on a cold, windy afternoon, 3-1.

Andrew Mason and Tyler Duffey shared the mound this game. Mason gave three runs on three hits to York and had four strikeouts. Duffey pitched the final inning, and he gave up one hit and struck out one York batter.

Game Three- Sterling -19 York -18

In one of the highest scoring games of the season, Sterling pulled out a win against York in the final inning on their home field. With late inning heroics of the bat, Sterling pulled ahead of York with an eleven-run inning, walking off in the bottom of the ninth.

York pulled ahead early with three runs in the first inning, whereas Sterling responded with a run of their own. Morales walked on his turn to bat, then advanced after a balk and another walk. Morales scored after a sacrifice fly from Howard. The Warriors then tied York in the second inning after two more runs. Damon Redeker was hit by the pitch, then advanced to third after a double from Elvis Rumaldo. Both Redeker and Rumaldo scored during Morales' double to right field. The inning finished with the score 3-3.

Both teams were held scoreless in the third and fourth innings. York then pulled ahead with four runs in the fifth. The Warriors responded with a run by Howard, who got on from a fielder's choice. Howard moved to second on a wild pitch which proved costly for the Panthers. Howard was able to score from second on a throwing error by the shortstop.

York collected two more runs in the fifth inning, which Sterling responded with a run from Rumaldo.

York scored four more runs in the seventh inning, whereas the Warriors collected two more runs by Howard and Tarafa. Howard then smacked a homer in the eighth inning, putting Sterling within reach heading into the ninth with a score of 13-8.

York was determined to finish the last game in their favor, plating five more "security" runs in the ninth inning that gave them a ten-run lead. The Warriors, however, were not deterred heading into their final at bat, scoring eleven runs to pull ahead and win the game in walk-off fashion. It started with three consecutive walks by Uziel Santos, Redeker, and Rumaldo, loading the bases up for the Warriors. James Easter came in to run for Santos when he reached first base. Easter scored on a wild pitch. Morales fell victim to a strikeout for the first out of the inning, he would get his revenge later in the inning. Redeker scored after a Dustin Chartrand single. Johnson struggled at the plate going 0-5 into the ninth, but as good hitters do, he had a short memory this Sunday afternoon. Johnson hit a 2 RBI double scoring Rumaldo and Chartrand keeping the Warrior rally going. Thacker took Johnson's place at second after an RBI double and Howard did he same with Thacker making it three straight RBI doubles for the Warriors. Tarafa reached first on an error, then watched as Santos reached base for the second time in the inning, this time by way of a single allowing Howard to score. Easter courtesy ran for Santos once again. Redeker was walked, filling up the bases once again for the Warriors. Then on a sacrifice fly by Rumaldo, Tarafa scored. Sterling trailed by just 2 runs with two outs at this point with runners on the corners and the tying run at first base. Easter scored after a single to right field from Morales, who avenged his earlier strikeout. With the game-tying run 90 feet away and the game-winning run on first, Chartrand walked to load the bases. Johnson then singled to the left-center gap. With two outs, Redeker and Morales scored easily completing the eleven run inning for Sterling, snatching the win from York. Johnson saved his two hits and 4 RBIs for the most important inning of the day.

Four Warriors shared the pitcher's mound this game. Chris Isaac got the start and pitched five innings, giving up 7 runs on 8 hits, and recording two strikeouts. Reid Heidtbrink gave four runs on 4 hits. In his inning on the mound, Duffey gave two runs on one hit. Eric Beyale pitched two innings, and got the win after the late inning offensive surge, giving up 5 runs on 4 hits, walking 2.

The Warriors continue their conference play against Kansas Wesleyan University on Mar. 21 in Salina, Kan, first pitch is set at 4 pm. Then the Warriors face Tabor College in a triple-header in Hillsboro, Kan on Mar 24-25.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.