Peru State baseball sweeps Culver-Stockton

(Peru, Neb.)—On Sunday and Monday of this week the Peru State baseball team swept the Culver-Stockton Wildcats in dramatic fashion with two walk offs. It was the first home series of the year. The Bobcats improve to 8-18 on the year and 6-2 in Heart conference play. The Wildcats fall to 4-16 and 0-8 in Heart conference play.
Below is a breakdown of the four-game series between the Bobcats and the Wildcats:
Game 1
In the top of the first Culver-Stockton scored on a two run blast after a single and a balk to start the scoring for the Wildcats as they led 2-0. C-SC scored two runs on two hits in the first.
The Bobcats threatened in the bottom of the first after two one out walks but two strikeouts would end the inning for Peru State. The Bobcats scored no runs on no hits and left two on base.
The Wildcats threatened early in the second as a walk and a single had runners on first and second. Then a walk loaded the bases. A sac-fly would score another Wildcat runner as they now led 3-0. Peru State would get out of the inning only giving up the one run. The Wildcats scored one run on one hit and left two on.
The Bobcats loaded the bases in the bottom of the second from a walk drawn by Devin Adams (Pembroke Pines, Fla.), a single by Xavier Wright (Calumet City, Ill.) and Garett Pavletich (Bakersfield, Calif.) reached on an error. Then William Reynolds (Bakersfield, Calif.) hit a two RBI single scoring Adams and Wright.
Then Wesley Bradford (Bakersfield, Calif.) brought Pavletich home from a single as the Bobcats would tie the game at three. Jose Solis (Los Santos Panama) doubled scoring Bradford as Peru State took a 4-3 lead.
The hot bats would continue as Jesus Tavares (Santo Domingo, D.R.) hit a single scoring Solis and Bradford as the Bobcats took a 6-3 lead. Peru State scored six runs on five hits an error and left one on in the second.
The Wildcat offense slowed down in the top of the third as they would score no runs on no hits and left two on base. In the home half of the third, Adams hit a lead off single and then advanced to third off an error. Then Wright at the plate reached on an error as Adams came into score.
The Bobcats would threaten after Wright advanced to second and Pavletich walked but a double play would end the third. Peru State scored one run on one hit, two errors and left no one on base.
C-SC's offense came back to life in the top of the fourth. The Wildcats loaded the bases via a hit by pitch and two singles. Then a grand slam would tie the game at seven. C-SC then threatened again with two runners on by way of an error and a walk.
A Wildcat single would give them the lead at 8-7. C-SC scored one more run via an error as they took a 9-7 lead into the bottom of the fourth. The Wildcats scored six runs on four hits, two errors and left two on base.
Solis and Tavares in the home half of the fourth singled after one out and then an error would score Solis as the Bobcats got one back in the half inning. Peru State scored one run on two hits an error and left one on base.
In the fifth inning for the first time all day the Wildcats went three up and three down. Adams and Wright hit back-to-back home runs to retake the lead 10-9 in the bottom of the fifth. The Bobcat offense would keep it going as Pavletich and Bradford singled and then Solis walked to load the bases.
Tavares reached on an error and Pavletich would come home to score. Then a hit by pitch and walk would bring Bradford and Solis home as the Bobcats had now extended the lead out to four. Peru State scored five runs on four hits one error and left three on base.
In the top of the sixth the Wildcats threatened with a double and a hit by pitch. The Wildcats had runners on the corners after a hit by pitch. Then on the next at-bat a three-run home run put the Wildcats within one.
Fortunately, the Bobcats were able to get out off the inning. C-SC scored three runs on two hits and left one on base.
In the home half of the sixth Peru State went three up three down. In the top of the seventh the Wildcats would threaten with a runner in scoring position after a walk and a stolen base. Three strikeouts by Adams would end the game as the Bobcats won 13-12.
Peru State used three pitchers in game one. Edgar Santos (Barquisimeto, Venezuela) pitched 3.1 innings, striking out four batters, giving up nine runs on six hits, seven of which were earned. Juan Rodriquez (Bayamon, P.R.) pitched 2.2 innings, striking out five batters, giving up three runs, on three hits, all three were earned. He would earn the win. Adams came in for the save as he pitched one inning and struck out the final three batters.
Five players tied for the lead in hits as Adams, Bradford, Solis, Tavares, and Wright all had two in game one. Adams, Reynolds, and Tavares tied for the lead in RBIs as they all had two.
Game 2
The Bobcats in game two kept the bats going while also putting on a much better defensive performance.
In the top of the first after a leadoff triple by the Wildcats they were only able to muster a walk as they scored no runs on one hit and left two on base.
Peru State kept the hot bats going in game two as Reynolds led off the game with a home run. Then Bradford singled but was bounced after a double play. Tavares would double in the inning and get to third on a wild pitch, but the Bobcats were unable to bring him home.
C-SC went three up three down in the second inning. In the home half of the second inning Wright started off the inning with a leadoff double. Later in the inning Pavletich hit a two run two out home run as the Bobcats extended their lead to 3-0. The Bobcats scored two runs on two hits and left no one on base.
The Wildcats went down in order again in the top of the third inning. The offense stayed hot in the bottom of the third for the Bobcats. After Bradford and Solis reached base via an error and a hit by pitch, Tavares hit a three run shot as Peru State now led 6-0.
The inning would keep on going as Wright would walk and then Doel Pina (Fajardo, P.R.) hit a single as Peru State threatened with runners on the corners. Then a sac-fly by Gustavo Rivera (Bayamon, P.R.) would bring another Bobcat runner home as they now had a seven run lead.
The next at-bat Pavletich hit a two run jack as the Bobcats had completely blown the game open leading 9-0. Peru State scored six runs on three hits an error and left one on base.
In the fourth for the third straight time C-SC went down 1-2-3. Tavares doubled with one out in the bottom of the fourth and then Adams singled as Peru State threatened to score again.
Wright then hit an RBI single as the Bobcat lead ballooned up to double digits as they led 10-0. After Adams stole third to get 90-feet away from the plate, Pina reached on a fielder's choice Wright was safe due to an error on the pitcher and Adams scored. Peru State scored two runs on three hits an error and left two on base in the fourth.
The Wildcats started in the top of the fifth with a single but then a double play and a ground out would end the inning. The Bobcats went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the fifth.
C-SC in the sixth would again start the inning with a single and then it looked as if Peru State would get out of the inning unscathed after two quick outs.
Then the Wildcat runner stole second to get a runner in scoring position. Then a single would score the runner as the Wildcats got on the board trailing 11-1. The Wildcats scored one run on two hits and left one on base.
The bottom of the sixth started with two quick outs. Then after Wright got hit by a pitch a single by Pina and error scored Wright as the Bobcats led 12-1. Peru State scored one run on one hit an error and left one on base.
In the top of the seventh with one out the Wildcats doubled and then later in the inning a single would plate the runner as the Wildcats scored their second run of the game. The Wildcats scored one run on two hits and left one on base. Peru State took game two of the series by the score of 12-2.
Diego Oquendo (Merida, Venezuela) pitched a complete game striking out six batters giving up two runs on six hits. Both runs were earned.
Tavares led the way in hits as he had three in game two. Pavletich led the way in RBIs as he had four.
Game 3
The Monday games were exhilarating as both games ended in walk off wins for Peru State.
In the top of the first inning C-SC got a two out rally going as they hit a double to get a runner in scoring position. Then a single would score the first run of the game. The Wildcats scored one run on two hits and left one on base.
In the bottom of the second the Bobcats threatened after two walks and a stolen base but would ultimately leave the two runners stranded as the first inning would come to a close. Peru State scored no runs on no hits and left two on.
The Wildcats in the second inning threatened with runners on second and third after a single and a double. They were unable to capitalize as they scored no runs on two hits and left two on base.
Wright hit a leadoff single in the second inning to get the Bobcats going. Then Pina singled as Peru State had runners on the corners. Then a productive ground out would score Wright as the Bobcats tied the game at one.
Pavletich on the next at-bat would bring Pina home via a single as the Bobcats took a 2-1 lead. A little later in the inning Bradford singled scoring Pavletich as Peru State now had a two run lead. Peru State scored three runs on five hits and left two on base.
In the top of the third inning the Wildcats would hit a one run two out home run cutting the lead down to one. The Bobcats went three up three down in the third.
C-SC led off the fourth with a single and then two walks with two outs loaded the bases for the Wildcats, but Peru State was able to get out of the bases loaded jam. The Bobcats hit a single in the fourth but were not able to do anything after a double play ended the inning.
In the fifth the Wildcats threatened with a runner in scoring position after the batter reached on an error and a balk. The Wildcats would leave the runner on an island at second as the half inning ended.
Bradford started the home half of the fifth with a single and then Solis hit a double as the Bobcats had runners on second and third. Josue Francisco (San Cristobal, D.R.) came into courtesy run for Solis.
Then Tavares hit a two RBI double bringing Francisco and Bradford home. A tad later in the inning Wright hit a solo shot as the Bobcats now led 6-2. The Bobcats scored three runs on four hits and left no one on base.
In the top of the sixth inning C-SC hit a leadoff single and then three wild pitches in a row sent the runner home. Later in the inning the Wildcats threatened with two on, then a three-run blast tied the game at six. The Wildcats scored four runs on three hits, an error and left one on base.
Rivera in the bottom of the sixth started the Bobcats off with a leadoff single. Blake Denson (Broken Bow) came into courtesy run for Rivera. Denson would come into score from two wild pitches as the Bobcats took the 7-6 lead. Peru State scored one run on one hit and left no one on.
C-SC hit a leadoff homerun to tie the game at seven apiece. The Wildcats would record a single in the inning but that would be the only run. C-SC scored one run on two hits and left no one on base.
Solis in the bottom of the seventh hit a walk off home run for the Bobcats winning the game 8-7 and took the series looking for the sweep in the final game.
Enmanuel Cabrera (Villa Gonzalez, D.R.) pitched 5.2 innings, striking out eight batters, giving up six runs on nine hits, three of which were earned. Adams pitched 1.1 innings striking out two batters giving up one run on two hits the one run was earned. John Laureano (Gurabo, P.R.) rounded out the pitching for Peru State.
Solis led the way in hits with three apiece. Tavares led the way in RBIs with two each.
Game 4
The fourth game of the series was an offensive explosion with a total of 31 runs in a windy rainy game Monday afternoon.
In the first inning the Wildcats started with a lead off single and then two batters were hit by a pitch to load the bases for C-SC. Then the Wildcats hit a three run double to break open the scoring as they led 3-0.
The Wildcats would then load the bases again from a hit by pitch and a walk. Later in the inning a productive groundout would extend the Wildcat lead. C-SC scored four runs on two hits and left two on base.
In the home half of the first the Bobcats loaded the bases themselves as Reynolds and Bradford singled to start the inning. Then Solis got on by drawing a walk. Then a productive groundout would score Reynolds for Peru State's first run of the game.
Then a second productive groundout would have the Bobcats cut the Wildcats lead in half. Peru State scored two runs on two hits and left one on base.
In the top of the second the Wildcats were able to get a single but that's all they could do in the top half.
Pina started the bottom of the second inning with a walk. After a strikeout Pina was caught stealing as the Bobcats were down to their final out. Later in the inning Pavletich would single. Reynolds then hit one over the fence tying the game at four. Peru State scored two runs on two hits and left no one base.
In the third inning the Wildcats drew a lead off walk, then a home run would have the Wildcats retake the lead at 6-4. Those would be the only two runs of the inning for the Wildcats. C-SC scored two runs on one hit and left one on.
Peru State started the bottom of the third with two singles from Solis and Tavares. The Bobcats threatened with runners on the corners. Then an Adams sac-fly would score Solis.
Wright then hit a single as the Bobcats offense was heating up. Pina singled bringing in Wright as Peru State tied the game at six. Later in the inning Pavletich would single scoring Wright as the Bobcats took a 7-6 lead. Peru State scored three runs on five hits and left two on base.
In the fourth C-SC would load the bases from two walks and a hit by pitch. Then a double would score two runs as the Wildcats would retake the lead 8-7. Later in the inning the Wildcats would score on an error making the score 9-7. C-SC scored three runs on one hit an error and left one on base.
Bradford hit a solo home run to start the bottom of the fourth to cut the lead back to one. Solis would single on the next at-bat. Later in the inning Adams singled as the Bobcats threatened with runners on first and second. Solis then scored on a fielder's choice to tie the game at nine. Peru State scored two runs on three hits an error and left one on base.
In the top of fifth the Wildcats got one on base via a single and then with two outs C-SC homered to retake the lead 11-9. The Wildcats scored two runs on two hits and left no one on base.
Reynolds in the bottom of the fifth started a two out rally with a double, then a single by Bradford scored Reynolds as the Bobcats cut the lead to one. Then Solis doubled scoring Bradford as the Bobcats tied the game at 11. Peru State scored two runs on three hits and left one on base.
In the top of the sixth inning, the Wildcat offense finally slowed down as they scored no runs on no hits and left one on.
Adams started the bottom of the sixth with a leadoff single and then a Wright single and Pina walk loaded the bases. Adams would break the tie scoring on a wild pitch. Wright scored on a wild pitch on the next play. Then Pavletich reached on an error scoring Pina as the Bobcats would take a 14-11 lead. Peru State scored three runs on two hits an error and left one on base.
In the top of the seventh, the Wildcats would get a base runner on via a hit by pitch, then he would advance to second on a wild pitch. A double on the next pitch would score the Wildcat runner cutting the lead to two. Then an error would cut the Bobcat lead to one as the runner on second would come into score.
Then a single had the Wildcats threatening with runners on first and second. A double on the next at-bat would score a third Wildcat runner as C-SC would tie the game at 14.
In the home half of the seventh, Solis started the inning with a lead off double, then Tavares walked as the Bobcats threatened with runners on first and second. Adams was at the plate next, and he hit a three run walk off shot to give the Bobcats their first sweep of the season winning the game 17-14.
Jose Diana (Santa Isabel, P.R.) pitched two innings, striking out two batters giving up six runs on four hits - all six were earned. Laureano pitched two innings, striking out three batters giving up three runs on one hit and two were earned. Rodriguez pitched two innings, striking out three batters giving up two runs on two hits and the two were earned. Adams pitched one inning striking out two batters, giving up three runs on three hits but only one was earned. He would take the win.
Solis led the way in hits for the Bobcats as he hit four in game four. Adams led the way RBIs with five in game four.
Peru State looks to keep the momentum going this weekend with another conference tilt at Mount Mercy this Saturday and Sunday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.