The Rhodes College Lynx (9-4) displayed a resilient offense and flashes of dominant relief pitching this past Sunday at home, battling through a high-octane doubleheader against Grinnell College. After a heartbreaking extra-inning loss in the opener, the Lynx bounced back to claim the nightcap and earn the series split.

Game 1: Grinnell 15, Rhodes 14 (10 Innings)
In a game that saw a combined 29 runs and 32 hits, the Lynx jumped out to a commanding 4-0 lead in the first inning. However, a persistent Grinnell offense eventually forced the game into extras, where the Lynx narrowly fell in the 10th.

Key Performances
The Lynx offense was firing on all cylinders in the series opener, led by a massive performance from Cooper Angilly, who finished 4-for-6 with two doubles, two stolen bases, and three runs scored. Ben Daniel provided consistent power and speed from the top of the lineup, going 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, and two stolen bases. At the corners, Corbin Martens anchored the infield with a 3-for-5 day and three RBIs, while Jace Trozzo contributed a crucial double and three RBIs of his own. The Lynx showed aggressive baserunning throughout the marathon contest, as Brad Larson swiped two bags despite a 1-for-5 outing, and Austin Smith delivered the highlight of the game by pinch-running in the 9th inning to steal both third and home to force extra innings.
 
In the series opener, the Lynx pitching staff combined to strike out 12 Grinnell batters over 10 innings of work. Ed Anglin earned the start, fanning three and allowing zero earned runs across his 2.2 innings. He was followed by Andrew Carron, who provided 2.1 innings of steady relief while striking out three. Jackson Stanyard then took the mound for 1.1 innings, contributing two strikeouts before handing the ball to Will May. May anchored the latter half of the game, striking out four Pioneers over 3.2 innings of relief.

Game 2: Rhodes 12, Grinnell 9
The Lynx responded in the second half of the twin bill, overcoming a late deficit with a three-run 7th inning and a masterful performance from the bullpen.

Key Performances
In the nightcap, Rhodes secured the split behind a balanced attack and timely hitting. Cooper Kuriger ignited the offense from the bottom of the order, going 3-for-5 and crossing the plate three times. Power remained a theme as Brandon Trichell launched a two-run home run in the second inning to help build an early lead. Corbin Martens displayed an incredible eye at the plate, technically finishing 1-for-0 officially due to drawing three walks, while still managing to record a double and two RBIs. Jace Trozzo once again proved to be the run-producer the Lynx needed, hitting a bases-clearing three-run double in the 7th inning to reclaim the lead for good. Further contributions came from Marco Nunez, who went 1-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, and Brad Larson, who added a hit, an RBI, and his third stolen base of the day.
 
In the nightcap, the Rhodes pitching staff turned in a resilient performance, punctuated by a dominant showing from the bullpen to seal the victory. Nathan Shumway opened the game on the mound, recording three strikeouts over 2.0 innings of work. He was relieved by Reid Manti, who provided 3.0 innings of relief and added another three strikeouts to the Lynx total. The defining performance of the game came from Ryan Fallmann, who entered in the 6th inning and completely shut down the Grinnell offense. Fallmann earned the win by pitching 4.0 perfect innings, retiring all 12 batters he faced while racking up six strikeouts to preserve the lead and secure the doubleheader split.
 
Up Next: Rhodes vs. Buena Vista University
Following the hard-fought doubleheader split against Grinnell, the Rhodes College Lynx will look to defend Stauffer Field in a three-game home stand against Buena Vista University. The series begins Thursday, March 12, at 12:00 PM, followed by another noon matchup on Friday, March 13. The finale is set for Saturday, March 14, at 11:00 AM. The Lynx enter the series with significant momentum from their offensive leaders and will look to capitalize on the dominant pitching shown in their most recent victory.