Big Blue Baseball battled LaGrange in a doubleheader, dropping the first game before bouncing back with a strong win in game two.
In game one, Millikin fell 13–8 after LaGrange erupted for eight runs in the second inning. The Big Blue answered in the third inning and continued to chip away at the lead but could not close the gap by the final. Carder Reich led the offense, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Pete Britton also finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. On the mound, Mick Niebrugge made his collegiate debut, pitching two innings and allowing just two hits and one run.
Millikin responded in game two with a 9–5 victory. The Big Blue struck early, loading the bases in the first inning before Sam Bushur drew a walk to bring in Reich for the opening run. Easton Steck powered the offense, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBIs, while Joey Niebrugge added a 2-for-4 performance at the plate.
Brayden Saling started on the mound in his pitching debut, throwing 4.1 innings and allowing six hits and two runs. Gavin Houchins earned the win in relief, pitching 4.2 innings, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out 10 to secure the victory.
The split moves Big Blue forward as they continue to build momentum early in the season.
Next up the Big Blue will travel to Webester University on Feb. 20th.
