Dan Dunn throws a no-no

by Ryne Tate
Courier Staff

The Fighting Scots baseball team took two from the Grinnell College Pioneers in their first conference doubleheader of the year on Saturday, April 1. The first game was a gem, courtesy of Fighting Scots ace Dan Dunn’s no-hitter. Dunn went the distance, and then some, continuing his no-hitter into extra innings. The sole run scored in the game by Grinnell was produced by two Monmouth errors and a sacrifice fly ball. The game further demonstrated the startling pattern the Fighting Scots have had this season. When the pitching is on the hitting is off, and when the hitting is on the defense buckles, and so on. The offense and defense did not do justice to Dunn’s efforts on the mound until an extra-inning, pinch-hit, walk-off home run by Chris Smith. About the performance, Coach Roger Sander said, “We had excellent pitching, outside of a couple plays, solid defense and some timely hitting when we needed to and the kids didn’t give up.” He added, “The hitting has been streaky, but the boys believe they are going to win. It doesn’t matter when you score. It matters what’s on the scoreboard at the end of the game.”

Dunn has had a history of being a flame-throwing, dominating pitcher throughout high school, and now has the same reputation at Monmouth. Dunn said, “I’ve always wanted to throw a no-hitter in college; it means a lot to me personally, [Josh] Ragar did a great job behind the plate and Smitty (Chris Smith) really came through for us at the end.” Dunn has stepped up to the forefront as a quiet leader of the Monmouth Fighting Scots’ baseball team. His performance on the field is intimidating, but according to his teammates, his sense of humor is “hilarious and well timed.”

Dunn’s performance has led to a 4-2 record thus far this season.

The second game of the doubleheader was another test of perseverance as late hitting came through for a team starving for offense. Shortstop Ryan Priola continued his hitting tear on the year breaking open the game in the bottom of the eighth. Priola was happy to come through in the second game, saying, “I didn’t have a lot of positive at-bats in the doubleheader, but that last at-bat I finally settled in. It was good to come through and contribute when it counted.” A diving play by left fielder Jeremy Kafka insured the victory for Nate McCaherty and the Fighting Scots. Priola, concerned about the offense so far this season, noted, “It is one of the only downfalls of having such a powerful lineup. You’re either on or off. It’s kind of just a flip of the coin. Luckily, we had some timely hitting today.” Senior Trent Jordan added, “McCaherty really came through for us. He threw a solid three innings or so. I think he only gave up one hit, and it was a pretty clutch performance. That, along with Dunn’s pitching and Smitty’s bomb in the first game, really helped us out today.” When asked about the trend in Smith’s hitting, Trent added, “You know he’s not going to get cheated.”

The Fighting Scots traveled down to MacMurray College and decided to bring their bats with them, putting up 19 runs, 14 of which came in the first three innings. Priola hit another home run, adding to his total of four on the season. The offense finally heated up, but it came with consequences: 13 runners left on base, and eight errors. The team was happy to leave with the “W,” but had the stark realization that their game needs some fine tuning.

The Fighting Scots had two players break out of short-lived slumps, as starting third baseman Ryan Stubler and starting center fielder Jason Salmon had four hits apiece. Nate Palkovic, Smith, Ragar and Priola also put up multi-hit games, while Kafka had three RBIs of his own.

The offense is gearing up for a touch matchup with Illinois College this weekend. Dunn will take the mound and hopefully the defense will rebound from the last outing. First pitch at Glasgow Field is at noon. Come on out and support the team along with the “Legion of Doom” beyond the left field fence.