Baseball Wins Bracket; Advances to GPAC Championship Game

CRETE, Neb. – No. 10 Doane used a big early offensive surge and strong pitching to secure a 9-2 victory over Hastings in game two of their GPAC Tournament matchup on Friday afternoon at Doane Ballfield Complex.

The Tigers (43-9) broke through in the second inning, capitalizing on timely hitting from Sam Kwapnioski, who delivered a two-RBI single up the middle to score Jett Grossart and Brayden Jones for a 2-0 lead.

Doane added to its advantage in the third inning, taking advantage of aggressive baserunning and power at the plate. Max Harris scored on a wild pitch before Grant Sommers launched a two-run home run to center field, extending the lead to 5-0.

Hastings (24-26) answered with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings, trimming the deficit to 5-2, but the Tigers quickly regained control.

Kwapnioski struck again in the seventh inning, this time with a solo home run to right-center, and Sommers followed with an RBI single to push the lead to 7-2.

Doane added insurance in the ninth inning, scoring twice on a Hastings error and a sacrifice fly from Sommers to account for the final margin.

Sommers led the offensive effort, going 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs, while Kwapnioski added two hits and three RBIs. Harris provided a spark at the bottom of the lineup, scoring three runs and collecting two hits, including a double.

On the mound, Cade Bridges earned the win, tossing five innings while allowing two runs on three hits with two strikeouts. The bullpen combination of Carter Baete, Ethan Merk, and Garrett Klein held Hastings in check over the final four innings to preserve the victory.

Doane finished with nine runs on nine hits and played error-free defense, while Hastings managed two runs on six hits and committed two errors.

The win advances Doane into the GPAC Tournament championship game on Monday afternoon. The Tigers will host Concordia at 3 PM for the tournament title.

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