Lamoni, Iowa – Evangel was edged twice falling by a run in both games of a Heart of America conference doubleheader at Graceland. The Crusaders fell 5-4 in game one and 3-2 in the second game.
Graceland scored a run in the bottom of the seventh to rally and win the first game of the doubleheader 5-4. Evangel tied the game at 4-4 when C Darin Francis drove in two runs on a double in the top of the seventh. The double was Francis' second of the game. Austin Alfrey went 2 for 4 with two runs and a stolen base. Ethan Peacock got the win for Graceland working all seven innings allowing 7 hits, 4 runs and 3 earned runs with no walks and 8 strikeouts.
Evangel lost by a run again in game two. The Crusaders tied the game in the top of the seventh with two runs while taking advantage of three Graceland errors in the inning. Evangel was held to just three hits with 2B Stevin Cisneros picking up the Crusaders lone RBI. The loss extended Evangel's losing streak to seven games.
Evangel drops to 8-17 and 0-4 in the Heart of America conference. Graceland improves to 9-16 and 3-1.
The Crusaders are back at home on Tuesday for a conference doubleheader against Missouri Valley. Game one starts at 1 p.m. at the Evangel Baseball Complex.
