Baseball ends road trip with win over Roosevelt

JOPLIN, Mo. - An early lead helped the Viterbo University Baseball team defeat Roosevelt University 13-6 on Monday.

The V-Hawks scored on a single by Kendal Hofer in the first inning, an error in the second inning, a double by Keaton Westhoff in the second inning, a single by Marcus Hornacek in the second inning, and a walk by Hofer in the second inning.

The V-Hawks pulled away with four runs in the second inning. In the second inning, an error scored one run for Viterbo, Westhoff doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run, Hornacek singled on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring one run, and Hofer drew a walk, scoring one run. Viterbo notched four runs in the fifth inning. Braun, Remy Stern, and Westhoff each had RBIs in the frame.

After Viterbo scored three runs in the top of the sixth, Roosevelt answered with three of their own. The V-Hawks scored when Hofer hit a solo homer and Zach Braun doubled on a 0-2 count, scoring two runs. Roosevelt then answered with a single on a 2-0 count, scoring one run and an error scored two more runs for Roosevelt.

Eric Taylor earned the win for the V-Hawks. Taylor lasted five innings, allowing six hits and two runs while striking out four and walking one. Kyle Burns and Dante Selke entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.

Viterbo launched two home runs and collected 16 hits on the day. Westhoff, Braun, Blake Warner, Camden Smith, and Hofer all managed multiple hits for the V-Hawks. Westhoff went 3-for-5 at the plate to lead Viterbo in hits. 

Next, the Viterbo Baseball team will travel to Lenz Field in Jacksonville, Ill. on Saturday, March 5 for a neutral series against Madonna University. Follow the action on viterboathletics.com or by following us on social media.