Streaking Coyotes sweep Benedictine
By: David Toelle and Andy Brockman KWU Sports Information

Darell Grames makes contact on a two-run double in the bottom of the third of game one against Benedictine on Wednesday night

Kansas Wesleyan extended its winning streak to ten games with a pair of 7-4 wins to sweep Benedictine College on Wednesday night at Dean Evans Stadium.

GAME ONE: KWU 7, Benedictine 4 – The Coyotes gave up three runs in the top of the first inning, but allowed just one more the rest of the way, as Wesleyan rallied from the early deficit for the 7-4 win in game one.

Michael Marx flew out to lead off the game, but Luke Cronin reached on an error by Wesleyan pitcher Brian Dobyn’s and later scored on a single by Jeff McClafferty. After a walk to Alex Thompson, Mackenzie Moore singled home McClafferty and Brett Miller would later single home Thompson, but courtesy runner Chris Stakely was gunned down at third by right fielder Brock Pettyjohn trying to reach third on the play.

The Coyotes held Benedictine off the board in the top of the second thanks to an amazing inning ending double play. A ball from Marx was lasered to Mike Pettibone at third, who snagged it, threw to second from his knees to Dustin Romero, who fired to first in time for the 5-4-3 double dip.

Wesleyan cut the Raven’s lead to just one in the bottom of the second. Romero led the frame off with a walk, and came around to score on a two-run single by Pettyjohn with two outs. The Coyotes would strand a pair of runners when Russell Skeete grounded out to end the inning.

The Ravens got one back in their half of the third, when McClafferty scored after doubling on an error by Romero on a ball from Bryan Moore. Dobyns worked his way out of a bases loaded situation calming, catching both Miller and Evan Fox swinging at strike three to end the threat.

The Coyotes plated five in the bottom of the third to take the lead and blow the game open, with all the scoring done with two outs. Romero reached on a walk, and moved to second on a Dan Herrle single. Kyle Hook was hit by a pitch, and Romero scored the first run on a passed ball by Moore. Darell Grames then hit a two-run double and then scored on a single by Mathes. After a pitching change by Benedictine, Pettyjohn singled to score Mathes before Skeete grounded out to end the Coyote rally.

The last three and a half innings went fairly quickly as both teams only combined for five hits after the third inning.

Starter Brian Dobyns went three innings, before being relieved by Jeremy New to start the fourth. Dobyns gave up four runs on four hits while striking out three and walking three. New got the win in relief, pitching four innings, scattering three hits while striking out four and walking just one. Grames had three hits and drove in a pair of runs, while Mathes, Pettyjohn and Pettibone each had two hits, while Pettyjohn drove in three runs for the Coyotes.

Kyle Helton took the loss for Benedictine, pitching two and two-thirds innings, giving up seven runs on eight hits, while walking four and striking out one. Madison Rochon pitched three and a third innings, scattering three hits while striking out two. McClafferty had three hits and scored twice to lead the Ravens offensively.

GAME TWO: KWU 7, Benedictine 4 -- In game two, Kansas Wesleyan took advantage of many opportunities and beat Benedictine, 7-4.

The game started off with both teams’ pitchers in control and shutting down the hitters. Nick Allaire started for Kansas Wesleyan and Juan Oquendo for Benedictine.  Neither team scored in the first two innings but the third was full of offense.

Benedictine (12-11) started off the third scoring three runs and taking the early big league. Marx singled, Cronin walked, and then McClafferty hit a three-run shot over the left-center wall to put Benedictine up 3-0.

The Coyotes were not behind for long as they answered right back in the bottom of the third.  David Lovett started the inning off by reaching on a walk.  Paul Bridenbaugh then got on by a third strike getting by the catcher and later scored on a wild pitch. Grames doubled, Mathes walked, Pettyjohn and Pettibone each singled while Grames and Mathes scored to go up 4-3 in the game.

Kansas Wesleyan got on the scoreboard again in the bottom of the fifth scoring two more as Pettyjohn singled again and scored on Pettybone’s doubled over the centerfielders head.  Stephen Cilladi then singled, giving him his first hit of the season after missing all the games thus far due to an injury.  Dusty Romero then bunted for a RBI single scoring Pettybone give the Coyotes a 6-3 lead.

Wesleyan struck again in the bottom of sixth via a Grames double and a Mathes RBI single putting them up 7-3. 

Benedictine tried to mount a rally on Wesleyan (19-7) relief pitcher Brandon Mathes but fell short.  The Ravens did manage to score a run as Paul Cotto reached on an error in the seventh, and later scored on a wild pitch. Mathes then struck out Alex Thompson to end the game and the Coyotes won game two 7-4.

Allaire got the win, pitching five innings giving up three runs on three hits, while striking out four and walking two.  Brandon Mathes recorded the save, pitching two innings allowing one run on two hits, while striking out one and walking one.

Grames, Pettybone, and Pettyjohn all had two hits to lead the Coyote hitters.  Grames had two doubles while Pettybone also had a two bagger.  Cilladi, Mathes, and Romero all had one hit to round out the team. 

Juan Oquendo took the loss for Benedictine giving up four runs on three hits in 2.1 innings work.  Alex Thompson and Jeff McClafferty pitched in relief.

Luke Cronin had a double and four other players singled giving Benedictine five hits in the game.

The Coyotes are off until Saturday, when they host KCAC opponent Friends with a 1 p.m. scheduled first pitch from Dean Evans Stadium.

-- KWU SI --