Fletcher's Grand Slam Caps Series Finale Win at Northwestern
(Hastings, NE) – Playing at Northwestern on day two of the four-game series, the Hastings baseball team fell 6-2 in game one. In game two with a 4-3 lead, the Broncos scored six runs in the ninth, including a grand slam by junior Levi Fletcher, leading to the 10-3 win.
(Hastings, NE) – Playing at Northwestern on day two of the four-game series, the Hastings baseball team fell 6-2 in game one. In game two with a 4-3 lead, the Broncos scored six runs in the ninth, including a grand slam by junior Levi Fletcher, leading to the 10-3 win.
In game one, Northwestern capitalized on a two-out double in the second inning, driving the next pitch they saw over the right field fence for a home run and a 2-0 lead.
Sophomore Tyler Rojas doubled to right with one out in the third and went to third on a single from sophomore Cody Haynes. Later in the inning with the bases loaded, Rojas scored on an RBI-groundout by sophomore Peighton Vargas, trimming the lead to one.
The Red Raiders grabbed the two-run lead right back in the bottom of the third on a leadoff home run to take a 3-1 lead. Hastings loaded the bases with one out in the fourth, but a groundout on a fielder's choice and a line out ended the scoring opportunity.
With two outs in the fifth, Northwestern had four straight hits, including two doubles, leading to three runs and a 6-1 advantage. Hastings made it a 6-2 game in the sixth on a home run by Fletcher, which held to be the final score.
Haynes, Fletcher, and senior Tristan Martinez each had two hits in game one and Martinez got on a third time with a walk.
In game two, Rojas was hit by a pitch and junior Evan Morrison walked in the first two at-bats. Rojas came home on junior Samuele Bruno's single and Morrison scored on a ground ball from junior Dylan Wimbs, going up 2-0.
Hastings added a run in the third, as Rojas walked and later scored on a wild pitch, making it 3-0. Northwestern scored three two-out runs in the bottom of the third, including a two-run home run to tie the game at three.
In the sixth, Wimbs led off with an infield single and after going to second on a groundout, he scored on a Red Raider error to take a 4-3 lead.
The Broncos broke the game open in the ninth, scoring six runs on four hits. They loaded the bases with their first three batters, scoring their first run on a Bruno sac fly. Rojas scored on an error hit by Wimbs. With the bases loaded and two outs, Fletcher homered over the fight field wall to make it a 10-3 final.
Fletcher was 3-4 with the grand slam and Bruno was 2-3 with a double and two RBIs. Rojas and Wimbs each had a hit and a walk, combining to score five of the 10 Bronco runs.
Senior Markus Miller pitched six innings, allowing three runs on six hits and striking out five. Junior Eduardo Galicia threw two innings, giving up only one hit and striking out three. Junior Ryder Derouin pitched a scoreless ninth inning on two hits, striking out two.
Up next, Hastings will play at Midland in a doubleheader on Thursday, Apr. 2 at 4 and 6:30pm.
