Third-Inning Avalanche Lifts #10 Eagles to 23-13 Win Over Southwestern
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA- The #10 Kirkwood Eagles delivered one of their most explosive offensive performances of the season Tuesday afternoon at Lewis Field, overpowering the Southwestern Trojans in a 23-13 slugfest defined by a jaw-dropping 16-run third inning.
In a game that quickly turned into a showcase of Kirkwood's depth and firepower, the Eagles piled up 23 runs on 16 hits, launching a relentless attack that Southwestern simply could not contain.
After a quiet opening inning, Kirkwood began to find rhythm in the second before completely breaking the game open in the third. What started as a spark turned into a full-blown eruption, as the Eagles sent wave after wave to the plate, capitalizing on timely hitting, patience, and power to hang 16 runs in a single frame—a stretch that ultimately decided the game.
Leading the offensive charge was Adam Kayko, who delivered a monster performance at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two home runs and a game-high six RBIs. He wasn't alone in the power surge, as Blake Lundholm, Brady Blake, Ty Andrews, and Colton Duerling all left the yard in a home run barrage that overwhelmed the Trojans' pitching staff.
Lundholm set the tone at the top of the lineup, finishing 3-for-5 with three RBIs, while Brady Blake added three runs scored and three RBIs of his own. Andrews made his presence felt in the middle of the order, driving in four runs, and Alex Altmann chipped in with a multi-hit effort and three runs scored. CJ Davis also contributed with a pair of hits, including a triple, helping keep the pressure constant throughout the lineup.
Kirkwood's discipline at the plate was just as impressive as its power, drawing nine walks and forcing Southwestern into difficult counts all afternoon. The Eagles' ability to extend innings and capitalize on opportunities was the major difference in the game.
On the mound, Rowan Donels earned the win, setting the tone early before turning things over to a bullpen that navigated a high-scoring contest. While Southwestern managed to push across 13 runs, the early cushion provided by Kirkwood's offensive explosion proved more than enough to secure the victory.
