Atchison, Kansas — Dordt’s comeback bid fell one run short as the Defenders fell to the Benedictine Ravens in game one, 5-4.
The Defenders closed their half of the 1st inning with the lead as Logan Cline drew a leadoff walk before stealing second and advancing home on a Chase Edwards RBI double. After two scoreless innings from Dordt, Benedictine tied the game 1-1 in the bottom of the third. Following a leadoff double, Jacob Pavlyak hit a one-out RBI double to tie the game.
The Ravens built up a lead in the 4th inning, loading the bases for Danny Favazza. Favazza hit an infield single that brought two runs home. Benedictine’s next at-bat saw Pavlyak hit an RBI single, while Favazza then scored on a passed ball with two away.
In the next half inning, Dordt cut into their 5-1 deficit with a three-run inning. Nolan Christianson started with a leadoff single before coming around to score on a single by Cade Hollingsworth. With two runners on base, the Defenders sent the runners in motion as Anthony Rodriguez Klinzing hit a double to the fence, bringing in Edwards and Hollingsworth.
Matt Piontek entered the game on the mound and set down the side in the 6th and 7th innings to help Benedictine to the win.
Dordt and Benedictine faced off in the second game of the day, as the Ravens used a three-run 5th inning to separate themselves on the scoreboard.
Benedictine kicked off the 1st inning with three runs, using an error and two RBI singles to send their runners across home plate.
The Ravens extended their lead in the bottom of the 5th, in part to Jacob Pavlyak’s two-run home run. Benedictine scored a third run in the inning on a fielder’s choice.
Dordt entered the scoring column in the top of the 6th as, with two runners in scoring position, Luke November doubled in a pinch hit appearance that sent David Laurenti and Cade Hollingsworth across the plate.
Benedictine added a late run in the 7th inning to complete the contest.
The Defenders will travel to Auburndale, Florida to begin their spring break series against Trinity Baptist. The first game against Trinity Baptist is scheduled for 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 5.
