Kirk Goes the Distance, Diamond Gents Open Series with 2-1 Win against Schreiner

KERRVILLE, Texas - The Gents scored single tallies in the second and the eighth, and it was all senior starting pitcher needed Kaleb Kirk needed as Centenary (12-7, 4-0 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference) won its fourth straight with a 2-1 victory at Schreiner (10-14, 1-3 SCAC) Friday afternoon, March 23.

With one out in the second, junior Andrew Russell singled, stole second, and moved up to third on a throwing error by the catcher. Senior Cole Lavergne followed with an RBI single to put the Gents on the scoreboard.

Centenary scored an insurance run in the eighth. Sophomore Cody Crowder walked, advanced to second on an error, took third on a wild pitch, and stole home.

Meanwhile, Schreiner put the tying runs into scoring position in the eighth. With one out, back-to-back singles by Miguel Quiones and Ben Benavides was followed with a double steal. However, Kirk struck out Sam Pistrui for a big second out before a flyout retired the side.

Kirk (4-1) went all nine innings and allowed just six hits and one run while striking out seven. With 27 career wins, he moves up to seventh in SCAC history in that category.

Schreiner scored its lone run in the ninth. Jeffrey Williams led off the frame with a double and scored after a pair of ground outs. With two outs and no one on base, Kirk ended the game with a strikeout.

Kyle Baird (2-2) took the loss, allowing six hits and two runs (one earned) in eight innings of work.

Centenary closes out conference play in March Saturday, March 24, with a double header at Schreiner. First pitch of game one is scheduled for noon.