SAINT PETER, Minn. - An offensive clinic of 26 runs launched the Gusties to a sweep at home on Wednesday afternoon. The Gusties won 13-3 and 13-11, improving to 25-6 overall.

Gustavus 13, UW-Stout 3

The UW-Stout Blue Devils (9-17, 7-7 WIAC) started the scoring in the first inning after a couple singles, which eventually sent a runner home. The Gusties answered immediately in the bottom of the first inning after a single up the middle from Brayden Kohls and an RBI double to left center from Chris Knowles, which sent Kohls home as he flew around the bases to score. Shortly after, Drake Siens blasted a double down the Ieft field line to send Knowles home to take the lead 2-1.

The Gusties were able to continue the scoring in the second inning after a pair of singles from Isaac Becker and Ross Hebel to put runners on first and second base. Kohls continued his impressive start with a single through the left side that sent Becker in for a run to extend the lead to 3-1.

In the third inning, the Gusties continued to add to their lead after numerous hits and a few errors from the Blue Devils. Luke Siegle started the inning with a single to center field and advanced to second on a passed ball. Right after, Brady Schmitz and Hebel were both walked, which gave the Gusties bases loaded. A Blue Devils throwing error helped Becker reach first base and send Siegle and Schmitz home to increase the lead. After Becker stole second and Danny Gavin was hit by a pitch, the bases were loaded once again for the Gusties. The Blue Devils walked Kohls and stretched the lead to 6-1 after the third.

The Blue Devils doubled their score with a home run to left field to open the fourth inning. When the Gusties were at bat, a single up the middle from Siens and a few wild pitches allowed him to advance to third. Then, Schmitz was walked and stole second to put runners on second and third base. Joe Burns grounded out to shortstop for an RBI as Siens scored to extend the lead back to five headed into the sixth inning.

The Gusties put on a show in the sixth inning and produced five runs to extend their lead. Siens was walked and Schmitz sent a double down the left field line to advance Siens to third. Then, Burns and Hebel both had an RBI single to increase the Gusties lead. Shortly after, Gavin missiled a single up the middle for 2 RBI's.

In the eighth inning, the Blue Devils added a run after a double and single. Once again, the Gusties responded with an RBI triple to right center from blazing-hot Kohls to take a 12-3 lead. The Gusties reached the 10-run mercy rule after a single up the middle from Knowles.


Nine different Gusties had at least one hit and made it on base, led by Kohl's (3-5, 2R and 3RBI) and Gavin's (2-4, 1R and 2 RBI).

Gustavus 13, UW-Stout 11

Similar to the first game, the Blue Devils scored in the first inning after a double and wild pitch. Once again, that lead was short lived as Knowles blasted a 2 RBI homer to left field to put the Gusties up 2-1 after the first.

After a quiet second inning, the Gusties added to their lead in the third inning. Sam Schneider and Gavin both singled to put runners on first and second base. Kohls remained on fire and sent a RBI double down the left field line with Gavin advancing to third. A batter later, Knowles was able to reach first base on a fielding error, which allowed Gavin to score, giving the Gusties a 4-1 lead.

The Blue Devils doubled their score after a single and few wild pitches in the fourth inning and exploded in the fifth inning with 5 runs with the help of a few pitches hitting players and a massive 3 RBI triple down the right field line. With the help of a Schmitz RBI single down the left field line, the Gusties were able to score and trail 5-7 after five.

The sixth inning presented numerous opportunities for the Gusties to reclaim the lead. With the help of Stout's poor pitching, Gustavus had three players walk and the bases loaded. Unfortunately, the Gusties would only score one run with multiple players striking out. 

The bottom of the sixth inning presented many opportunities for the Gusties, but an RBI walk by Kohls proved to be the only run of the inning, leaving three left on.

In the seventh inning of the game, the Blue Devils added another run to their lead after a triple to right center. However, the Gusties answered in a strong way to reclaim the lead, with consecutive singles from Burns, Hebel, and Dylan Kopesky, whose single brought in Burns from second base. Shortly after, a wild pitch gave the Gusties another run, tying the game at 8-8. Kohls then blasted a RBI single through the right side to give the Gusties the lead. Knowles gave the Gusties some breathing room as he hammered a clutch 3 RBI home run to left field with two outs.  

The Blue Devils matched Knowles' home run, as Carlso responded with a quick home run in the beginning of the eighth inning. Stout managed to inch closer to the Gusties after a few stolen bases and a double earned them another two runs, but the Gusties were able to respond with an RBI single from Gavin up the middle to extend the lead to 13-11 in what would be the last scoring play of the game.

After a back and forth game, the Gusties persevered and shut out the Blue Devils in the ninth and final inning. Kohls (3-5, 2R, RBI) and Knowles (3-5, 3 R, 6 RBI) dominated at the plate.

Gustavus heads on the road to resume MIAC play with a doubleheader next Wednesday at Concordia Moorhead (15-13, 7-5 MIAC).
  Read Full Article