MIDLAND, Mich. — Davenport baseball secured a decisive 21–7 victory over Northwood on Tuesday at Gerace Stadium in the final non-conference game of the season for the Panthers. Davenport's offense exploded with an 11-run second inning, the most runs in any inning this season for the Panthers, and added six more in the fourth. This marked the third time this season that DU has scored 20 or more runs in a game. The team collected 16 hits, including two home runs and three doubles. The Timberwolves managed to score seven runs with two home runs of their own but could not catch up.
Northwood took an early lead in the first inning when Evan Larson homered to right field, bringing in Brennan Hallman who reached on an error. Northwood led 2–0 after the first inning.
Davenport responded decisively in the second inning, scoring 11 runs.
Ben Korson singled and later scored on
Travis Liford's double. Liford and
Carson Lindau each had significant hits, with Liford doubling and Lindau tripling to drive in multiple runs.
Cody Hultink and
Dylan Pawenski contributed with a double and a home run, respectively. Davenport led 11–2 after the second inning. Pawenski now has 11 home runs this season, which is second in the GLIAC.
In the third inning, Davenport added two more runs.
Justin Johnson walked and scored on Korson's single, while Pawenski also crossed home plate. Northwood countered with four runs, highlighted by Connor McCartan's three-run homer. Davenport maintained a 13–6 lead after the third inning.
Davenport extended its advantage in the fourth inning with a six-run burst. Johnson and
Aiden Warn each drove in runs, and Liford capped the scoring with a grand slam, the first of the season for Davenport. The score stood at 19–6 in favor of Davenport after four innings.
Davenport's defense held firm in the fifth and sixth innings, preventing Northwood from scoring. The score remained 19–6 through six innings.
In the seventh inning, Davenport added two more runs. Hultink scored on a wild pitch, and
Justin Johnson crossed the plate on a groundout by
Cam Johnson. NU managed to score once more with a double by Ben DeVries, but Davenport finished with the 21–7 triumph.
Carson Anthes started on the mound for Davenport, pitching two innings and allowing two runs on three hits.
Jimmy Amptmann pitched one inning with two walks allowed.
Brayden Flanders contributed with 2 1/3 innings, striking out two batters without surrendering a run to earn the victory (2-1).
Aidan Arbaugh and
Joe Chrapliwy closed the game, with Arbaugh throwing a scoreless inning and Chrapliwy allowing one run on two hits over 2/3 of an inning.
Pawenski led Davenport's offense by recording three hits, including a home run, and driving in two runs. Liford matched Pawenski's effort, collecting three hits and driving home a career-high seven runs, which is tied for second most in a game at DU.
Justin Johnson contributed significantly with two RBIs and three runs scored, supported by a double and two walks. Hultink added two hits, including a double, while crossing the plate twice.
Up next for Davenport is a matchup against Purdue Northwest at 3 p.m. on Friday in Caledonia, Mich.
