TUCSON, Ariz. – The Gustavus baseball team saw a two-run lead turn into a five-run deficit in the final three innings Friday against Otterbein, resulting in a 9-4 loss. The Gusties drop to 1-3 at the Tucson Invite, while Otterbein improves to 9-2.
The Gusties struck first in the opening frame as Chris Knowles (Jr., New Ulm) hit a sac fly to right, scoring Mitch Casperson (Jr., Le Sueur). Two innings later, Drake Siens (Jr., Rogers) singled through the left side to score Patrick Timmer (Sr., Lakeville).
Otterbein answered with a run in the fourth on an RBI double and tied the game in the fifth with a sac fly. But the Gusties regained the two-run lead in the bottom half as Knowles hit a two-run homer over the left field fence, his second in as many days.
The Cardinals cut the lead to one in the sixth with an RBI single and then plated four runs in the seventh for a 7-4 advantage. The runs were scored after a single, bunt single, and a two-run throwing error. Otterbein added two insurance runs in the eighth with a two-run double.
Seven different Gusties had one hit apiece. Knowles finished the game with three RBI and a run.
Gavin Baker (Sr., Lakeville) started on the mound and pitched five quality innings, allowing zero earned runs with four hits and four strikeouts. Brevin Goetz (So., Rochester) took the loss after two innings of relief, allowing two earned runs on three hits and four strikeouts.
The Gusties continue play at the Tucson Invite tomorrow against Carthage. First pitch is slated for 12:30 p.m. CST.