JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Davenport University (2-5) split their doubleheader against the University of Indianapolis (4-7), falling 6-2 in the first game before edging the Greyhounds 5-4 in the second matchup on Saturday in a neutral-site contest.
In the first game, Davenport's scoring came early with a run in the first inning, followed by another in the third. The Panthers opened the scoring in the first inning when
Sam Clay walked and advanced to third on
Wyatt Epple's single and
Cody Hultink being hit by a pitch.
Justin Johnson then singled to center field, allowing Clay to score. The inning concluded with a 1-1 tie after Indianapolis equalized with a sacrifice fly by Chase Mason.
In the third inning, Davenport regained the lead as Clay singled and advanced on Epple's double. Clay scored during a double play initiated by Hultink. However, Indianapolis responded with a five-run surge, highlighted by an RBI single from Gavin Duran and a passed ball that allowed Solen Munson to score. The Greyhounds led 6-2 after the third.
No further scoring occurred in the subsequent innings, as Davenport was unable to close the gap. Indianapolis maintained its lead, securing a 6-2 victory over the Panthers.
Lucas Coll started the game for Davenport, pitching two innings while allowing three earned runs on one hit, five walks, and striking out three batters.
Colton Blankstrom came on in relief, pitching two innings, surrendering two earned runs on two, with three walks and two strikeouts.
Jimmy Amptmann closed out the game with a strong performance, pitching two scoreless innings, not allowing a hit or walk, and striking out two Greyhounds.
Clay contributed with two hits and two runs.
Justin Johnson added two hits, including a double, and drove in one run. Epple recorded two hits with one double.
In the second game of the doubleheader, Davenport took an early lead with two runs in the first inning and secured the win with a decisive two-run ninth inning. The Panthers capitalized on a fielding error and a hit by pitch, with Clay reaching first on an error and Hultink being hit by a pitch, setting up an RBI single by Johnson to score Clay. Aidan Warn grounded out, allowing Hultink to score, giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead.
Indianapolis responded with a run in the third inning. A sacrifice fly by Mason brought Joey Humphrey home after he advanced to third on a double by Austin Bode, cutting the lead to 2-1 for Davenport. The Greyhounds leveled the game in the fourth inning when Austin Pokley scored on a sacrifice groundout by Maddux Bach after reaching third on a single by Luke Smock, tying the game at 2-2.
Davenport regained the lead in the fifth inning when
Travis Liford singled, advanced to third, and then scored on a passed ball, making it 3-2 for the Panthers. Indianapolis turned the tide in the sixth inning, scoring two runs; Munson's RBI double scored Duran, and a subsequent error allowed Smock to score, putting the Greyhounds ahead 4-3.
In the ninth inning, Davenport rallied.
Julian Contreras singled, and after advancing to third, he scored, along with Hultink, on a dropped fly by the right fielder off the bat of Johnson. This comeback secured a 5-4 victory for the Panthers.
Jeff Agar delivered a solid performance for the Panthers, pitching two innings without allowing a hit or a run, while striking out two and issuing two walks. AJ Park pitched two innings in relief, conceding two runs on two hits, including a double, while striking out three batters.
Joe Chrapliwy allowed two runs on two hits over 1 1/3 innings, though he managed to strike out three.
Gabe Helder closed effectively, pitching the final five outs without surrendering a hit or a run, striking out two and securing his first win of the season.
Johnson led the team with three hits and one RBI, showcasing efficiency at the plate. Contreras contributed significantly by recording three hits and scoring one run. Hultink managed to cross the plate twice while also being hit by a pitch and drawing a walk. Warn added to the offensive effort with two hits, one RBI, and a stolen base, demonstrating both contact and speed.
Looking ahead, Davenport will travel to face Quincy University at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 in Quincy, Illinois.
