Three-Run Ninth Snags Walk-off Win for Baseball

CRETE, Neb. — The Doane University baseball team walked off Clarke (Iowa) in dramatic fashion Thursday afternoon, scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth to secure a 10-9 victory in game two of a nonconference doubleheader at the Doane Ballfield Complex.

The Tigers improved to 9-2 on the season with the win, completing a sweep of the day after rallying late in a back-and-forth contest that featured 26 combined hits.

Clarke struck first with single runs in the opening two innings before extending its advantage with a two-run third to take a 4-3 lead. Doane answered throughout the middle innings, tying the game in the fourth when a balk allowed a run to score and eventually moving in front 7-5 after a two-run seventh.

The Pride continued to push, scoring twice in the sixth and again in the eighth to reclaim a 9-7 advantage heading into the final frame.

Doane delivered when it mattered most. The Tigers drew multiple walks to load the bases before timely contact and defensive miscues by Clarke allowed three runs to cross, completing the comeback and sealing the walk-off victory.

Offensively, Doane produced 13 hits and showed patience at the plate with nine walks and two hit batters.

Carter Roth led the Tigers with two hits and three RBIs, including a key two-run double in the second inning. Max Harris added a home run and drove in a run, while Tanner Nelson finished with three hits and a double behind the plate. Jett Grossart contributed two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI.

On the mound, Ethan Merk earned the win in relief, tossing 3.1 innings while striking out five and allowing just one earned run. Starter Riley Plummer went five innings with seven strikeouts before the bullpen combination of Cade Bridges and Merk closed out the contest.

Clarke was paced by Dylan Eales, who recorded four hits including a double and triple, while Jaxon Brooks drove in three runs for the Pride. Ethan Hefel went 4-for-4.

Doane returns to action Friday to continue the series against Clarke with another doubleheader scheduled at the Doane Ballfield Complex.

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