Late Rally Falls Short As Grenadiers Drop Conference Open To Rio Grande

LOUISVILLE –  A three-run ninth inning rally came up just short as IU Southeast dropped a 7-5 decision to Rio Grande in both teams' conference opener on Saturday.

The RedStorm got on the board first when Clayton Surrell led off the game with a home run to center.

After the home run, the RedStorm had runners on second and third with one out but starter Luke Schafer struck out Andrew Daria. A walk loaded the bases but a fielder's choice ended the inning.

In the third, IU Southeast tied the game with a RBI groundout by Ben Berenda. Then Ryan Kassel drove in Kody Putnam with a single to the pitcher.

A RBI single, sacrifice fly and bases-loaded walk put the RedStorm back in front in the fifth inning.

After a RBI single by Surrell in the top of the seventh, AJ Thomas singled with the bases loaded to drive in a pair to extend the lead to 7-2.

The RedStorm threatned add on in the ninth but Cade Rusch was able to get out of the jam with the bases loaded when Daniel Rutherford flew out.

In the bottom of the inning, Trevor Goodwin led off with a double and Slater Schield followed with a single to right.

Garrett Jones tripled to left field to drive in both runners and Brayden Hazelwood singled to left to make it a 7-5 game.

Trevor Campbell drew a walk but Lane Mettler came in and recorded a strikeout and double play to end the game.

Garrett Jones had two hits and drove in two and Mason White had two hits in the loss.

The series concludes Sunday at noon with a doubleheader at St. Xavier High School.