The Simpson baseball team split a doubleheader with conference opponent Loras on Saturday at home as they won the three game weekend series. 

The Storm won the first game over the Duhawks 5-4 in comeback fashion. After trailing 4-3 going into the bottom of the ninth inning, Simpson got a walkoff single from freshman Bryson Gibson to score two runs and secure the win. The Storm got a crucial long relief appearance from Alex Foster in the first game of the doubleheader, going 4 ⅔ innings only giving up two hits and picking up six strikeouts. Loras outhit the Storm in game one 9-7, but the Duhawks recorded four costly errors in the contest, one that helped set up the walk off victory for Simpson.

In the second game the Duhawks bats came alive as they recorded 12 hits to pick up the 8-2 win over the Storm. Loras saw a strong outing from starting pitcher Vincent Costantino who gave up five hits over six innings. A base clearing triple by Daniel Rogers in the six inning was the turning point in the contest that put the game out of reach for Simpson. After securing the win on Friday night, Simpson wins the series 2-1 and improves to 13-17 overall and 6-9 in American Rivers Conference play. 

Simpson baseball coach Nathan Roling said he is proud of his team for picking up a series win against a good Loras squad.

“Being able to come in against a Loras team who has been really strong this year with a 6-2 record to take 2-3 against them, we’re proud of that. That was our goal. We left the last one out there a little bit, but I think ultimately going into the weekend that is what we were hoping for, and our goal was at least, and it was good to see our guys come out and play as good as they did the first couple games.”

The Storm will be back in action at home on Friday for game one of a weekend series against Central College.