By McPherson College Athletics
McPHERSON, Kan. – Darby Gilbert struck out a career-high 12 batters in just five innings to help lift McPherson College to an 11-5 victory over (RV) Tabor College at Bulldog Park.
With the win, the Bulldogs have won four in a row, 12 of their last 13 games, and improved to 11-1 in KCAC play.
Gilbert had 23 strikeouts in seven appearances this season but was dealing early and often, striking out the side in the first inning. He struck out at least two batters in each of his five frames.
The Bulldogs’ offense was equally on point in the first as Caleb Feuerstake doubled and James Canar drew a walk before Hunter Robinson hit his second homer of the season.
Tabor closed the gap with two runs in the next half inning, but a leadoff ground-rule double by Kevinn Castillo followed by an RBI single by Hayden Foster sparked another three-run inning for the Bulldogs.
Antonio Fernandez kept the Bulldogs rolling in the bottom of the second with an RBI single, then Gage Ninness scored on a timely Bluejay error.
Gilbert held the Bluejays scoreless through the next three innings, while Dawson Walters added another to the Bulldogs’ total with an RBI double down the left field line.
The Bluejays again trimmed into the McPherson lead with a two-run homer by Cole Hijaz in the sixth to make it 7-4.
Andres Artola, Jr. answered with a two-run blast in the seventh, then a two-run shot by Fernandez in the eighth iced the game.
McPherson (18-8, 11-1 KCAC) scored 11 runs on 12 hits and benefited from a pair of errors by the Bluejays.
QUOTABLE: “Great job by out group to play complimentary baseball, and even up the series with a good Tabor team,” co-interim head coach Andrew Pratt said. “Darby Gilbert was very impressive with 12 strikeouts in five innings. The offense continues to impress with home runs by Hunter, Andres, and Antonio. Looking forward to our battle with Bethany this weekend!”
UP NEXT: The Bulldogs remain at home for a weekend series against Bethany College, with a doubleheader scheduled for Saturday (Mar. 25).