Baseball Edges Hastings to Cap of Series Sweep

HASTINGS, Neb. — Doane baseball completed the doubleheader sweep of Hastings on Sunday afternoon, using timely hitting and a strong bullpen effort to secure a 4-3 victory in game two at Duncan Field.

The Tigers (35-8, 20-4 GPAC) struck early for the second straight game, as Grant Sommers provided an immediate spark in the opening inning. After Carter Roth led off with a double, Sommers launched a two-run home run to left field to give Doane a 2-0 advantage.

Hastings answered with a run in the first and tied the game in the third, but Doane responded with the decisive frame in the fifth inning. Sommers doubled to begin the rally and later scored on a Sam Kwapnioski RBI groundout. Moments later, Brayden Jones delivered an RBI single through the left side to push the Tigers ahead 4-2.

Hastings trimmed the deficit to 4-3 in the bottom half of the fifth, capitalizing on a Doane error, but the Tiger pitching staff shut the door from there.

Broc Songster earned the win on the mound, tossing 4.2 innings while allowing three runs (two earned) and striking out five. Garrett Klein was dominant in relief, surrendering just one hit over the final 2.1 innings while striking out two to earn his fourth save of the season.

Offensively, Doane totaled 11 hits in the contest. Sommers led the way, finishing 2-for-4 with a home run, double, and two RBIs. Tanner Nelson and Brayden Jones each recorded two hits, while Kwapnioski and Jones added RBIs in the pivotal fifth inning.

The Tigers' defense also played a key role, as Hastings committed four errors that helped Doane maintain control of the game.

With the win, Doane secured the conference doubleheader sweep and continued its strong play in GPAC competition.

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