What looked like a SLIAC showdown on paper turned into a rout as the Webster University baseball team completed a series sweep of Spalding University (KY) with a 3-2, 4-2, double header sweep on April 22 at GCS Ballpark. Webster received two more solid starts in the twin-bill from Cody Hafeli (JR, Kankakee CC, IL) and David Mueller (SR, Westminster Christian Academy), and Taylor Stoulp (SO, St. Mary's HS) pounded out four extra-base hits.
Hafeli went five innings in the seven inning tilt, allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out three. Steve Dooley (JR, Florissant Valley CC) stifled a big jam Hafeli had gotten into in the top of the sixth, after allowing a lead-off walk and a double. Dooley promptly picked off the runner at second, one of two signicifant base-running gaffs by the Golden Eagles. Dooley picked off the tying run at first base, with one out in the seventh inning. Dooley earned his third save of the year.
Stoulp had the big blow for the Gorloks, hitting a two-run homer in the third to give Webster a 2-1 lead. Stoulp also doubled in the sixth but was stranded. Tom Henke (SR, Lindbergh HS) singled and doubled in the game, and catcher Dustin List (SR, Illini Central HS, IL) had two singles.
In the nightcap, Mueller struck out eight in the first three innings and 14 in the game before exiting after seven, with a 3-2 lead. The was the most strikeouts by a single pitcher in a game for Webster since John DuHadway struck out 14 in a seven-inning game vs. Principia College (IL) in 2009. Mueller won his team-high sixth game and is 6-1 on the season. Dooley pitched the final two innings for his fourth save.
Stoulp again was the hitting star for the Gorloks, going three for four with a double and triple, an RBI, and two runs scored. Henke was two for three with two RBIs and Cody Stevenson (JR, Centralia HS, IL) was one for three with two more stolen bases. Stevenson, the NCAA III leader, has 44 on the season.
Webster is 14-1 in the SLIAC and 22-9 overall. The Gorloks travel to Eureka College (IL) on April 23-24 for a three game series. They are back at GCS on April 28 to face Fontbonne University in a single game.
