Norse baseball sweeps Kohawks in home doubleheader

Luther and Coe managed to get two complete games in on Saturday afternoon before lightning and rain fell on the Decorah area. The Norse scored a total of 13 runs on 17 hits as they swept the Kohawks 8-4 and 5-4. The two wins give Luther an Iowa Conference record of 11-7, 23-11 overall, while Coe fell to 13-8 in league play, 20-16 overall.

Paul Ryan (‘11) hit a two-run pinch-hit single up the middle that capped off a four-run sixth inning for the Norse securing the victory in game one. Jake Waddle (‘09) started the game with a two-run home run over the right field fence in the bottom of the first. The Norse also scored twice in the fifth thanks to RBI singles by Chris Reynolds (‘12) and designated hitter Dan Genrich (‘12). Nate Todd (‘10), who has five wins and three losses on the year, went the distance on the mound, allowing six hits and striking out two.

The Norse jumped out to a 5-1 lead and hung on to win the nightcap. The Norse scored a run in each of the first three innings and added two in the fourth thanks to a RBI single by Reynolds. Mark Weber (‘10) hit a solo home run in the second, his second of the year. Adam Kohls (‘09), who has six wins and three losses on the year, pitched a complete game spreading seven hits, striking out six and walking one.

The Norse have benefited from having a good mix of experience and youth on their roster.

“In all classes we have people contributing towards our success,” Head Coach Brian Gillogly said. “We have six seniors who have done great things this season and continue to show good leadership.”

Gillogly has credited good results this season to a combination of factors.

“We haven’t been outstanding in all areas, but we have been solid in those areas,” Gillogly said. “It has been a combination of many things that has led to our successes on the field.”

Throughout their season the Norse’s goals have not changed. They are the same goals that Gillogly tells prospective student-athletes when they visit Luther.

“We want to vie for the IIAC championship every year and ultimately win it to get a spot in the national tournament,” Gillogy said. That goal is still in sight for the Norse as they currently lie in fifth place in the IIAC.

The Norse have displayed their fighting mentality on several occasions this year. One of the highlights of the season to Gillogly was the come-from-behind victory at Buena Vista in Storm Lake April 21. Jake Waddle hit a two-run home run with two outs in the top of the seventh securing the win. At the time, Waddle’s home run was his first of the year and it could not have come at a better time. The victory was vital to ensure the Norse make the IIAC championships and keep their dream of making the national tournament alive.

The Norse will finish the regular season this weekend with three games at home. On May 2 and 3 Luther will host the University of Dubuque.