Kingrey’s early homer not enough in 8-5 loss at Luther

DECORAH, Iowa – Trenten Kingrey's three-run home run in the first inning gave Simpson an early spark, but Luther used a late push to hand the Storm an 8-5 loss in the series opener on Friday.

Kingrey's blast put Simpson (21-13, 12-7 A-R-C) in front 3-0 in the opening frame before Luther (27-9, 17-5 A-R-C) responded in the third with a sacrifice fly and a three-run home run to take a 4-3 lead.

The Norse added a solo homer in the fifth to extend the margin to 5-3, but Simpson answered in the sixth. Kasey Carter delivered an RBI single and later scored on Tanner Schark's double to even the game at 5-5.

Luther regained control in the seventh with a two-run home run and added an insurance run in the eighth to secure the 8-5 final.

STORM LEADERS

• Trenten Kingrey: 1 home run, 3 RBI, 1 walk, 1 run
• Tanner Schark: 2 hits, 1 2B, 1 RBI
• Kasey Carter: 1 hit, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 1 run
• Tijmen Nagel: 2 hits, 1 run

UP NEXT
Simpson looks to bounce back in the series doubleheader tomorrow at noon.