BELLEVUE, Neb. - It took thirteen innings, but the No. 2 IU Southeast Grenadiers outlasted the No. 4 Nelson Lions 6-3 Tuesday afternoon in game five of the Bellevue, Neb., opening round bracket.
Monday's win over No. 3 Huntington was highlighted by the Grenadiers' bats, but it was the pitching staff who stole the show in Tuesday's win over No. 4 Nelson. IU Southeast used just two pitchers over 13.0 innings,
Luca Sandrella got the start on the mound and pitched 7.0 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and seven strikeouts. Jake Gothrup had his best outing of the season, putting out 6.0 brilliant innings of scoreless relief. Gothrup allowed just one hit and struck out five Lions hitters.
While Sandrella kept the Lions' bats at bay, Trevor Goodwin got the Grenadiers' on the scoreboard in the sixth with a two-run home run. Gabe Yonto crossed home plate to put IU Southeast ahead 3-2 after Kevin Moore grounded out to second.
The Lions tied the game in the bottom of the seventh. After the Lions' sacrifice fly to tie it at 3-3, neither team would score until the top the thirteenth. With two outs and runners on first and second, Coulter Hamilton was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Goodwin, Bryson Arnette, and Kemper Whisman drew back-to-back-to-back walks to put the Grenadiers up 6-3.
Gothrup retired the Lions in order in the bottom of the thirteenth. The leadoff hitter flew out to Yonto in right, then Gothrup struck out the next two batters to secure the 6-3 victory for the Grenadiers.
The Grenadiers advance to the championship round of Bellevue, Neb., bracket. IU Southeast's championship round opponent is to be determined, but they will play in game eight at 3:00 p.m. EST.
