BASEBALL: Two six-run innings propel Dixie State College to its 11th straight win Tuesday at St. George.
Starting on short rest for the first time all year, Justin Prodan tossed five quality innings and got plenty of help from the Red Storm bats as Dixie State defeated California Baptist University, ranked No. 5 in NAIA, 12-4 in non-conference action Tuesday night at Bruce Hurst Field.
Dixie State (22-9, 14-6 Pacific West Conference) were outhit by the visiting Lancers (28-8), 12-10, but capitalized on opportunities in the first and fourth innings leading to six runs in each frame.
With the bases loaded, Tony Nelson started the DSC scoring attack with a double off the left-field wall, scoring two runs. Judd Jensen lifted a sacrifice fly to center, plating Brett Adams. Ammon Zitting and Aaron Friend each tallied RBI singles while Rhett Welsh scored from third on a wild pitch. CBU starter Cory Kiefer (L, 0-1) took the brunt of the Storm's attack before bowing out of the game after recording just two outs.
CBU cut the lead in half by their half of the fourth. Cole Bullard laced an RBI double and Jake Johnson singled home another run in the second. Kody Sepulveda lifted the first pitch of the fourth inning over the wall in left for a solo home run.
Leading 6-3, Dixie State scored five of its six runs with two outs in the bottom of the fourth after a catcher's interference call during Welsh's at-bat extended the inning. Zitting and Colton Yack had two-run singles apiece to give Dixie State a 12-3 advantage.
Prodan scattered three runs (two earned) on 10 hits over five innings, earning his second win in four days (5-3). Lane Kirby retired the first nine batters he faced before allowing one run on two hits in the CBU ninth to notch his third save.
Yack led DSC with three hits. Quinn Boyer, Nelson and Zitting each added two hits.
Dixie State closes out the two-game series with Cal Baptist today. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.