Johnson pitches six innings for third victory

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. - Pitcher Jeremiah Johnson (Gardner, Kan.) earned his third straight victory, helping the Baker Wildcats (5-3 overall) split a two-game series against McKendree College.

Johnson allowed two earned runs over six innings, striking out four Bearcats. Closer Jacob Landis, who was roughed up for five runs in the first game, struckout the side in the seventh.

In the second inning the Wildcats captialized off two Bearcats' errors. Kyle King (Tulsa, Okla.) doubled to begin the inning and then moved to third on Jared White's (Oogalah, Okla.) single to right field that was overthrown towards home, moving him up to second base. Dan Carr (Gypsum, Kan.) walked to load the bases.

With no outs and the bases loaded, Aaron Westerhouse (Eudora, Kan.) benefited from a ground ball being bobbled by McKendree's third baseman, allowing one run to score. After a foul out by Nick Peterson (Olathe, Kan.), center fielder Paul Foltz (Perry, Kan.) singled into center for his first career RBI, and putting the Wildcats up by two.

The Bearcats responded with one run in the third. Shortstop Dusty Griffin (Tulsa, Okla.) would add a run for the Wildcats scoring on a pass ball.

In game one, starting pitched Logan Peck (San Diego, Calif.) pitched well but had trouble commanding his pitches. Peck was lifted after five innings, and before the Bearcats bats came alive.

McKendree scored five runs in the sixth on five hits. Junior Nick Burd (Castle Rock, Colo.), who replaced Logan, faced only two batters before leaving game. Landis retired the first batter faced, but then gave up three unearned runs.

For their next game, Baker remains close to home. The Wildcats will travel on the road to face the University of Kansas on Wednesday at Hogland Ballpark in Lawrence, Kan. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at KUathletics.com.

Baker's next home game is schedule for March 13. The doubleheader against Missouri Valley College, will be the Wildcats first conference home games. For more upcoming, visit the schedule page.