Dawson CC hits grand slam in 7th inning comeback to sweep doubleheader at LRSC

Article by Sam Herder, Devils Lake Journal Sports, April 27th, 2016

The Lake Region State College baseball team's bats looked to be heating up at just the right time in the nightcap of Wednesday's doubleheader against Dawson Community College. The only problem was the Buccaneers caught a spark as well.

LRSC (11-20) scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a 7-2 lead. DCC (19-18) answered with a ferocious comeback in the final inning, scoring seven runs, the first four coming off a Mike Severson grand slam, to win 9-7.

The win completed the doubleheader sweep as DCC won the first game 10-1.

"That's the worst thing about baseball, no lead is safe," Royals head coach Kyal Williams said. "You just have to take an out at a time. Unfortunately, they loaded the bases up. They came up big with a big home run and some clutch hits. They got on a roll and we couldn't stop them. It's hard and never a good feeling when you do that."

The power hitting of the Buccaneers was reflective of their Game 1 win. DCC took advantage of a gusting wind out to right field, scoring six of its 10 runs via three two-run homers. 

LRSC's lone score came when a Lance Anderson sacrifice fly scored Jeremy Moran.

Game 2 saw a low scoring affair in the early innings as Royals lefty Bryce Karl took the mound. Karl went five innings, striking out six batters, walking four and giving up two runs.

He was helped out by the bat of Patrick Becker. Becker hit a solo shot over the right field fence in the third inning, then plated two more runners with a double in the fourth to give LRSC a 3-2 lead.

"He's just crushing the ball right now, which is fantastic," Williams said on Becker. "He's been immensely one of the best hitters in the conference right now. As a coach, you don't have to worry about him and you know you'll always get a good performance from him. He's been a driving force for us."

Becker got the sixth inning rally started. He sent Jordan Swanson home with a single. Back-to-back doubles by Dakota Hoyt and Edgar Millan scored runs. Millan capped off the four-run inning by reaching home while a teammate was stuck between bases.

"We had really great swings and you could see the guys started to really use what we've been teaching them," Williams said. "When you hit the ball well, it traveled well. We got a lot of extra base hits. Hopefully we can take that into next weekend."

The 7-3 lead wasn't safe, though. DCC loaded the bases to start the seventh inning off three straight walks. Severson made it interesting with his grand slam to make it 7-6.

An errant throw to third allowed a stealing Chase Rook to score and tie the game. Karson Hanosky then hit a two-run double and the Buccaneers led 9-7.

DCC completed the comeback by retiring three straight batters in the bottom of the seventh.

LRSC has two more doubleheaders scheduled for today and Monday. The Royals host the Mon-Dak Conference Tournament next weekend.