Luther College and Aurora University faced each other for a double header at Jim Schmid Field this afternoon. The Norse were originally scheduled to play three games at Lee Pfund Field, the home field of Wheaton College this weekend, but weather put an end to games on Friday and Saturday. Wheaton College is not allowed to play any athletic events on Sunday's, so the Norse and Spartans rescheduled today's twin bill for Aurora, Ill.
In game one, the Spratans posted a 9-8 come-from-behind victory in 10 innings. The Norse held a 8-6 lead after seven complete, but the Spartans scored two in the eighth and manufactured a run in the bottom of the 10th to secure the win.
Gavin Scurr,
Joshua Matanich and
Noah Sebben led a Norse attack that produced 14 hits. Scurr (3-for-5) drove in three runs, while Matanich (2-for-4) and Sebben (1-for-5) both drove in two. Both of Sebben's rbi were produced with a two-run home run during Luther's six-run third inning.
Collin Chalmers was credited with the loss in relief.
Ryan Manternach got the start and threw 5 1/3 innings, allowed five runs on six hits, walked two and struck out two. Harrison Blum took over for Manternach and allowed three runs on three hits, walked two and struck out two in two innings of work.
In the nightcap, Luther had 10 hits, but were held scoreless until the top of the seventh scoring twice. The Norse added a run in the ninth, but were defeated by a final of 7-3.
Matanich drove in both runs in the seventh with a single to right-center field.
Cullen Stamp was the lone Norse to produce multiple hits going 2-for-4.
Tyler Boesel was credited with the loss. Boesel went six complete, allowed six runs on 12 hits, did not issue a walk and struck out four.
The Norse are now 7-4 overall, while Aurora improved to 7-3.
Luther and Aurora will complete this three-game series tomorrow, Monday, March 21 with a single nine-inning game starating at Noon.
Luther begins American Rivers Conference play this Friday and Saturday, March 25-26. The Norse will host the Duhawks of Loras College on Friday at 3:00 p.m. and on Saturday for a double header that begins at 1:00 p.m.
