V-Hawks outscore Lincoln Christian 31-3 in first double header

LINCOLN, Ill. - The Viterbo University Baseball team played the first doubleheader of their fall season on Friday. The V-Hawks played at Lincoln Christian University and defeated the Red Lions 14-3 in game one and 17-0 in game two. 

In game one, the V-Hawks produced runs in the first four innings, with the most coming in the top of the third (six runs). Viterbo capitalized on gaps in the Lincoln Christian defense, scoring their first two runs on an error and a passed ball. The V-Hawks went into the top of the third inning leading 5-3 but were able to pull away thanks to the six runs added in that half-inning. 

Starting pitcher Ben Strassman was unstoppable on the mound for the V-Hawks, getting things done quickly in six innings pitched. Strassman faced 25 batters with 41 strikes in 55 total pitches. He finished the game with ten strikeouts and allowed only four hits and three earned runs. Freshman Cale Beckman came in the seventh inning and closed for Viterbo, striking out two batters and only facing three to get the job done. 

Game two saw a huge second inning for the V-Hawk offense. Viterbo produced ten runs, kicked off by a Hofer double which drove in Camden Smith and Conley O'Keefe. Cole Benson and Collin Hucke each singled to drive in runs and Marcus Hornacek grounded out but still managed to get an RBI in the process. 

Jacob Pinc pitched in game two for Viterbo, allowing no runs and striking out nine batters in 16 batters faced. He pitched the entire game, throwing 57 total pitches and not walking one batter in five innings. 

The V-Hawks had a batting average of .333 in Friday's games, with an on-base percentage of .489. Eleven different V-Hawks contributed RBI's in the two games. Hofer led the way with four RBI's. 

Viterbo will face Lincoln Christian again tomorrow in a doubleheader starting at 12:00 p.m. CST. Follow the action on viterboathletics.com or by following us on social media.