Cloud Splits With Eagles

Jacob Francis after hitting a bases clearing triple

Win streak ends at 9 in nightcap
Photos By Bobbie Cruzan

On Tuesday night the Indians traveled to Davenport University to take on the League leading Kent City Eagles.  The Indians upped their winning streak to 9 games with a 16-13 win in an entertaining game #1.  The streak would come to an end in a hard fought 9-6 loss in game #2.
 
In Game #1 - KJ Strait started off the game with a line shot double into the left field corner, after a line drive by Alex Cruzan that was caught by the left fielder, Landyn McGowen was hit by a pitch, Tayler Bode then drove in the first run of the game with a single. After a strikeout, Christian Ringler smashed a hard grounder through the hole between first and second to drive in 2 runs.  The Indians took a 3-0 lead after their first at bat.  

Center fielder Christian Ringler making an amazing sliding catch with Landyn McGowen watching on

After keeping the lead through 4 innings, the Eagles would erupt for 5 runs in the 5th inning, to take a 7-5 lead after 5 innings, but the Indians would fight back as they would score 2 more runs in the 6th inning, aided by a 2 run double by McGowen, to tie the score at 7-7.
In the Eagles half of the 6th inning, they would score another 3 runs, aided by an error, to take a 10-7 lead. 
The Indians would not rollover and came out fighting in the 7th inning. with the bottom of the batting order coming up huge. Ringler started the inning off with a single to right, followed by singles from Jacob Francis and William Ferhlen,  and a fielder's choice play that scored the first run of the inning. Strait laced an RBI single, Alex Cruzan walked, McGowen walked to drive in another run, Bode singled in a run, Mason Cruzan singled in a run then, after a strikeout,  Francis blasted a bases loaded triple down the right field line, then  scored on a wild pitch.  The Indians would score 9 runs in the inning to take a commanding 16-10 lead.  

KJ Strait after his leadoff double

The Eagles would threaten in their half of the 7th inning by scoring 3 runs before  Bode came in to shut them down.
For the game, McGowen had 3 hits, scored 3 runs, and drove in 3 runs.   Bode had 3 hits, and drove in 2 runs. Francis had 3 hits, and drove in 3 runs.   Strait, Alex Cruzan, Mason Cruzan, Ringler and Fehrlen contributed 2 hits each.
On the hill, Alex Cruzan gave up 4 hits, 4 walks and fanned 3, while allowing 7 runs. 3 earned in 4 2/3 innings.  Mason Cruzan picked up the win with 1 2/3 innings of work, allowing 3 hits, 2 walks, 1 strikeout, 6 runs with only 1 earned run. Bode picked up the save while getting both batters he faced out, one with a strikeout to end the game.

Coach Mahn with team after a successful defensive inning

In Game #2 - The Indians offense continued its hot hitting in the 1st inning, after an out to start the game, Alex Cruzan ripped a triple, followed by a McGowen RBI single, then McGowen scored on a wild pitch for a 2-0 lead.  
On the defensive side, the Indians struggled to make plays allowing the Eagles to score numerous unearned runs.  
Alex Cruzan and McGowen finished the game with 3 hits each, with  Bode adding 2 hits. 
On the mound, Bode continued with his dominance, striking out 7, walking only 2, allowing 7 hits, and 1 earned run in 5 innings of work.  
The Indians record now stands at 12-10, with a conference record of 10-8. They return to the diamond with a Monday road doubleheader against Muskegon Catholic Central.

Landyn McGowen lining up a foul ball at 3rd Base