CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – No. 8 Parkland baseball scored three runs in the first two innings, but a nine-run second inning by Kirkwood proved too much to overcome in an 11-5 road loss on Wednesday. With the loss, the Cobras move to 15-7 on the season.
 
Parkland's top three hitters in the lineup provided much of the offense in the afternoon in Cedar Rapids, accounting for four of the team's five hits and four of the five RBI.
 
Back in the leadoff spot, Trevor Burkhart led the attack by reaching base in four of his five plate appearances. Highlighting the centerfielder's day was his fourth home run of the season as well as three runs scored and a 14^th stolen base. Combined with five hits on Tuesday against Vincennes, Burkhart has seven hits in his last three games.
 
Batting second and third, respectively, catcher Robert Barnard and shortstop Trevor Minder each added in a hit and RBI on the day.
 
Tallying the other hit on the day, first baseman Dan Warkentin doubled home a run in his lone hit of the day.
 
On the mound, freshman lefty Casey Kempner made the start on Wednesday, but was credited with the loss while giving up seven runs. Sophomores Cody Hawthorne and Sultan Solebo pitched a combined five innings without giving up an earned run, however, three unearned runs scored during Hawthrone's outing. Sam Ballard pitched the final two innings, allowing just one hit while striking out one.
 
Up next, Parkland will return home to host John Wood on Friday, April 5, for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.