Eagles Defend Home Turf, Finish Series Sweep Over No. 7 Blackhawks
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA- The #5 Kirkwood Eagles added another statement win to their impressive season on Wednesday afternoon, defeating #7 Southeastern Community College 11-6 at Lewis Field to complete the series sweep. With the victory, Kirkwood improves to 43-7 overall and 19-5 in ICCAC play, while continuing a dominant run at home—finishing the regular season with an 18-1 record in Cedar Rapids.
Kirkwood wasted no time setting the tone, jumping on the board in the first inning before delivering a decisive four-run third inning that flipped early pressure into control. After Southeastern briefly clawed back with a five-run stretch across the third and fourth innings, the Eagles responded with consistency and timely power, plating runs in four different innings—including a four-run outburst in the eighth to put the game out of reach.
The offensive attack was fueled by impact performances throughout the lineup. Catcher Ty Andrews led the charge with a huge day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs while crossing the plate three times. Alex Altmann matched that production, also driving in three runs while adding a home run and a double in a 2-hit performance. Adam Kayko delivered one of the game's biggest swings, blasting a three-run homer to provide critical late insurance.
Blake Lundholm and Will Nuss each contributed multi-hit games, while Jax Theeler added an RBI and reached base twice. The Eagles' patience at the plate showed in eight total walks, helping generate constant pressure and scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon.
On the mound, Kirkwood utilized a committee approach to secure the win. Starter Jackson Niederwerder battled through four innings, allowing five runs (just two earned) while keeping the Eagles within striking distance. The bullpen took over from there and shut the door effectively, highlighted by Carson Costello, who earned the win with a scoreless outing and two strikeouts in relief. The combination of Adrian Broadus, Rafe McConnell, Tate Proskovec, and Reid Burkle allowed just one run over the final innings to preserve the victory.
The win not only secures the sweep over a top-10 opponent but also reinforces Kirkwood's standing as one of the most complete teams in the conference heading into the postseason stretch.
Next Up
The Eagles now turn their focus to a pivotal ICCAC showdown this weekend as they travel to Boone, IA to take on DMACC. The Eagles will play a doubleheader on Friday with one game to follow on Saturday.
