DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque baseball team trailed 11-2 through 5 1/2 innings of baseball on Tuesday afternoon before an epic nine run seventh inning propelled the Spartans to a 12-11 win completing the three game sweep of the Central College Dutch. 

Back on March 28 the Spartans took two games from the Dutch (3-2 & 15-5) in Pella, Iowa with today being the final game of the three game series. The Spartans would honor former University of Dubuque baseball player, Austin McWhite with his family in town. The McWhite family has established the Austin McWhite Foundation to honor their son and to reward UD Aviation majors with a scholarship in remembrance of their son.

Central got the scoring started in the top of the second with a solo shot to take the early 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, the Spartans would grab their first lead of the afternoon as Brandon Watkins singled through the left side to score two runs giving the Spartans a 2-1 lead. Over the next four innings, Central would compile 10 unanswered runs to blow the game open at 11-2. 

Heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Spartans trailed 11-3. Over the course of the half inning, the Spartans would collect three hits and force an incredible eight walks with six of them coming with the bases loaded. The Spartans scored all nine runs with no outs and saw 14 batters in the inning. 

Derek Hardin would close the final two innings on the mound securing his second save of the season. Christian Battista earned the win pitching the seventh inning allowing only one hit. Watkins would go 2-4 at the plate with 3 RBI's and a walk. Bo Karlson ended his day going 2-3 at the plate with an RBI and scoring two runs including two walks. 

The Spartans move to 17-7 overall and 7-6 in conference play. 

Up Next
The Spartans will face conference leading Luther College for a three game series beginning on Friday, April 14 at 3:00 p.m. and then a double header on Saturday, April 15 beginning at 12:00 p.m.