By Andy Reed

The Jimmies played in Topeka Kansas last weekend (3/16 – 3/17) where they faced off against Northwestern on Saturday, and Briar Cliff on Sunday in the opening weekend of GPAC baseball.

The Jimmies came into Conference Play at 10-6. Their first challengers in the new GPAC league, Northwestern record was 6-9. Dakota Nelson got the start for the Jimmies and went 6 2/3 innings in the 7-inning game striking out six and giving up three runs and five hits.

The Jimmies offense was led by Jaden Yackley, who hit a two-run homer and scored the only runs for the Jimmies. Drake Pilat, Tanner Roundy and Kaleb Binstock also recorded hits. The effort was not enough as Northwestern pulled off 2 last inning runs to take game one of the double-header.

Kensaku Akiya took the mound in game 2 for the Jimmies. Akiya pitched four innings giving up 3 runs. Andrew Reed picked up where Akiya left off in the last three innings allowing no runs and getting his first save.

The Jimmie Offense was led by Chase Hacker who hit two home runs to give him 5 RBIs in the game. Zach Zurbrugg, Kaleb Binstock and Drake Pilat had RBIs in the game as well to give the Jimmies the win by a score of 8-3.

The Jimmies took on Briar Cliff the next day. They split the day again making them 2-2 on the weekend and in the GPAC. They currently sit 4th in the GPAC. Next weekend the Jimmies head to Hastings Nebraska to play a 4-game set against Hastings.