Galesburg, Illinois — Lawrence closed out a statement series in emphatic fashion on Sunday afternoon, outslugging Knox 15-13 to complete the sweep in a game that had everything — momentum swings, clutch hitting, and a knockout punch in the ninth.
The Vikings' offense was relentless from start to finish, piling up 17 hits and answering every Knox surge with one of their own. After jumping out early, Lawrence found itself locked in a back-and-forth battle as both teams traded big innings throughout the afternoon.
Ben Gutowski delivered a performance for the ages, powering the Vikings at the plate with two home runs and eight RBIs, including the decisive swing in the ninth inning. With the game tied late, Gutowski launched a three-run shot to put Lawrence back in front for good, silencing the Knox rally and sealing the sweep.
CJ Filipek added to the offensive firepower with a home run and three RBIs, while Sage Beebe-Jenny came through in key moments with multiple hits, including a clutch two-run triple during a pivotal seventh-inning surge. Myles Brincks and Steven Baudendistel helped set the tone at the top of the lineup, consistently getting on base and creating scoring opportunities that kept the pressure on Knox all game long.
Despite Knox pushing across 13 runs and briefly taking the lead late, the Vikings never flinched. Lawrence erased a deficit in the seventh, battled through another Knox response, and ultimately delivered the final blow when it mattered most.
On the mound, the Vikings used a staff approach to navigate the high-scoring contest, with Jake Watkins earning the win in relief before Nathan Pollen shut the door in the ninth to secure the victory.
