SEWARD, Neb. – After winning an elimination game on Friday night, Midland University was back in Seward on Saturday to continue postseason play as it took on top-seeded Concordia University in the bracket championship. The Warriors earned a 7-5 win in game one, forcing a winner-take-all finale under the light. In that contest, the Bulldogs were able to wear down the Warriors and hand them a heartbreaking 9-1 loss. The setback closes the book on the 2024 season for Midland as it finishes with an overall record of 33-19 under first-year head coach Shea Bennett.
GAME ONE: Midland 7, Concordia 5
Yealex Lopez and Joshua Hardamon ignited the momentum in the 1st inning with consecutive singles, setting the stage for a powerful start. Deven Gomez drew a walk to load the bases and then an out-of-control pitch hit Garrett Freeman, resulting in the game’s first run. A strategic play and an error by the Bulldogs allowed Gomez to score to give the Warrior a quick two-run lead.
In the top of the 3rd, a home run and a double by the Bulldogs brought the score back event. However, the bottom of the inning saw Midland go back in front. First, it was a two-run home run from Hardamon. Then, singles by Gomez and Connor Petersen added another run, securing a 5-2 lead after three complete innings.
Christopher Ortega kickstarted the bottom of the 6th with a double which was followed by a one-out RBI double from Lopez. Concordia attempted to battle back in the 8th but was only able to score one run off of a pair of hits.
As the game entered the final innings, the Warriors responded with a run of their own in the bottom half. After a single by Reyes, Dax Wandler laid down a sacrifice bunt to move him into scoring position. Tyler Struck hit an RBI single to left, putting Midland in front 7-4 with three outs to get in the top of the 9th.
Concordia once again attempted a comeback but it was denied as Brandon Creps closed out the game with just one run allowed.
Lucas Hamzeh earned the win as he was credited with 137 pitches in 7.2 innings of work. He allowed eight hits with four runs while striking out one batter. Creps earned the four-out save with one hit, one run, and two walks issued.
Statistical Standouts
- Yealex Lopez: 2-for-5, R, RBI, 2B
- Joshua Hardamon: 3-for-4, R, 2 RBI, HR
- Deven Gomez: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
- Garrett Freeman: 1-for-3, RBI
- Connor Petersen: 1-for-4, RBI
- Tyler Struck: 2-for-4, RBI
GAME TWO: Concordia 9, Midland 1
It was a pitcher’s duel early on as both teams were held in check by the other. Concordia put an end to the five-inning scoreless drought, scoring three runs off two hits in the bottom of the six. An inning later, the Bulldogs added to their advantage, extending their lead to 4-0.
Midland broke its scoring slump in the top of the 8th. Three consecutive singles from Joshua Hardamon, Deven Gomez, and Garrett Freeman loaded the bases with one out. Connor Petersen delivered an RBI as he reached on a fielder’s choice.
However, the Bulldogs swiftly retaliated in the bottom of the 8th, scoring five runs off three hits, widening their lead to what proved to be the final margin, 9-1.
Statistical Standouts
- Joshua Hardamon: 1-for-4, R
- Garrett Freeman: 2-for-4
- Connor Petersen: 1-for-4, RBI
As the final chapter of the season closes for the Warriors, they’ll have plenty to look back on. This season saw a great opening week with wins in five of six games down in Arizona which sparked a nonconference record of 14-5. In conference play, Midland bounced back from an opening series sweep to win at least one game against each team they faced after. That run included five doubleheader sweeps that secured the fifth seed in the final standings. In the GPAC Tournament, the Warriors went 3-2 with both losses coming to the regular-season champions, Concordia, who were ranked nationally throughout the season.
Coach Bennett and his staff will use the offseason to develop returning players as well as their recruits during the summer and fall. Big things are on the horizon for the Warriors who will return several key pieces from this year’s team.
