FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University hosted Mount Marty University in a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) doubleheader on Friday afternoon. The Warriors suffered a challenging defeat against the Lancers, dropping game one 5-2, and narrowly falling short in game two with a score of 10-9.
GAME ONE: Mount Marty 5, Midland 2
The Lancers surged ahead in the opening frame, notching two runs to claim an early advantage.
In response, Joshua Hardamon blasted a home run to left center in the home half of the 1st, putting Midland on the scoreboard.
Mount Marty extended its lead with another run, 3-1, in the top of the 2nd.
After a scoreless 3rd, the Warriors rallied in their next at-bat. Alec Villanueva kickstarted the action with a single and a stolen base, followed by consecutive hit-by-pitches to load the bases. Villanueva crossed home plate on a sacrifice fly, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
The Lancers unleashed their offense in the 6th with a homer, solidifying the lead. Mount Marty secured the victory with a final run in the 7th inning, winning the opening game of the weekend, 5-2.
Statistical Standouts
- Joshua Hardamon: 1-for-3, R, RBI, BB, HR
- Alec Villanueva: 2-for-3, R
- Zachary Vincent: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 5 K
GAME TWO: Mount Marty 10, Midland 9
After a subdued opening inning, the Lancers ignited the game with consecutive singles, driving in two runs in the 2nd.
Alec Villanueva kickstarted the Warriors’ offense in the bottom half of the 2nd with a single and a stolen base. Hadyn Crawford then launched a home run over the left field fence, knotting the score at 2-2. Deven Gomez and Yealex Lopez kept the momentum alive with back-to-back singles. A Lancers’ error allowed Gomez to cross home plate, giving the Midland a 3-2 lead.
Following a quiet 3rd inning, Crawford delivered a solo homer, over the left field fence again to extend the lead.
The Lancers retaliated in the top of the 5th inning, exploding with eight hits which led to six runs as they seized an 8-4 lead.
In the bottom of the 6th, Connor Petersen drew a walk and was brought home by Tyler Struck‘s double. Deven Gomez then doubled to drive in Kirkland, who had come in as a courtesy runner at the catcher’s spot in the order.
Mount Marty struck came through with a home run in the 7th, moving in front 9-5 at the stretch.
In the bottom of the 7th, back-to-back walks set Joshua Hardamon and Dax Wandler in motion. They advanced on a wild pitch, and then Hardamon scored on a groundout, narrowing the deficit.
Seeking a comeback, the Warriors gained momentum in the bottom of the 8th. Struck drew a walk, and Kirkland came on as his courtesy runner. He stole second and then advanced to third on a throwing error by the Lancers. Gomez singled to bring Kirkland home, and then Yealex Lopez doubled to drive in Gomez, tying the score at 9-9.
In the final scheduled inning, the Lancers secured the go-ahead run. In the final at-bat for the Warriors, they worked a pair of runners on with two outs. A line drive to the gap by Struck looked to drive in both runners, but a diving catch by the Lancers’ right fielder sealed the doubleheader sweep on day one of the weekend series.
Statistical Standouts
- Yealex Lopez: 2-for-5, RBI, 2B
- Alec Villanueva: 1-for-5, R, RBI, SB
- Tyler Struck: 1-for-4, RBI, 2B
- Hadyn Crawford: 2-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR
- Deven Gomez: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B
Midland (20-8, 6-4 GPAC) will look to split the season series with Mount Marty (17-12, 3-5 GPAC) on Saturday as the teams take the field for another doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Moller Field in Fremont.
