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Blue Knights Baseball Team Can’t Find Field Of Dreams During Iowa Trip
03/29/04
The DCTC Blue Knights baseball squad saw a few glimmers of hope during its Iowa road swing last week, but could not emerge with a win against Iowa Central and Iowa Lakes.
At Iowa Central on March 21, DCTC suffered two hard losses (11-1, 13-2) as the Fort Dodge-based college defeated the Blue Knights. Iowa Central has finished second in the NJCAA World Series for the past four years.
Ever-optimistic Coach Kerry Lurken focused on the fact DCTC was down only 4-1 after four innings before fading in the late innings. This game was highlighted by the pitching of Alex Miller, who tossed four strong innings with only five hits. In addition, Jason Meyer hit a home run and Troy Jacobson connected for a double and RBI in the contest.
“Playing teams like this should only make us a better team in the long run,” Lurken said.
On March 24, Lurken and the Blue Knights traveled to Estherville, Iowa to battle Iowa Lakes. In the first game, DCTC succumbed 11-1, with Troy Jacobson throwing a five-hitter through four innings of play to keep it competitive at 5-1. Relief pitching continued to be the team’s Achilles heel, as the bullpen then gave up six more runs.
In the second game, the Blue Knights trailed 3-0 headed into the sixth behind a solid performance by Kyle Quinn (5 innings, 4 hits). Relief pitchers gave up another five runs to end the game 8-0.
“We are lacking middle relief in the pitching rotation and that has hurt us in every game,” Lurken commented. “Both starting pitchers worked well, but with the mistakes and hitting we are still losing.”
The Iowa trip was not all bad news. Lurken said Jason Meyer went 8 for 20 for an average of .400, and Brian Jacobson and Jonah Lansing both went 3 for 8 for a .333 batting average, which is excellent so early in the season.
The Blue Knights’ Minnesota schedule starts March 30 with Ridgewater (in Willmar). The team’s first home games are April 2 at 2 and 4 p.m.against Anoka-Ramsey at the Blue Knights’ home field - Rich Valley in Inver Grove Heights.
