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Courtesy of Midland Athletics
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – (RV) Midland University completed their weekend road trip on Saturday as they faced Briar Cliff University in Sioux City. The Warriors needed extra-innings in game one, winning 6-2, before completing the sweep with a 4-0 shutout in game two of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) doubleheader. The victories move their win total to the 30-win mark for the fourth time in five seasons, only missing out on the shortened season of 2020. They are now 30-7 with a 17-3 mark in the GPAC. GAME ONE: Midland 6, Briar Cliff 2 (8 innings) It was a classic pitcher’s duel in the first game of the day as both offenses had to battle a strong wind blowing in as well. Midland had just five baserunners through the first seven innings. They led off the 3rd and 7th with doubles but couldn’t string together a second hit to break the tie. The Chargers got two singles in the 3rd and 4th each but left both runners stranded each time. Heading into extra innings with the top of their lineup coming to bat, Midland got a leadoff single by Emily Prai and then worked a one-out walk, followed by a hit-by-pitch to load the bases. Mia Orduna hit a grounder to second base and Prai raced home to score the would-be go-ahead run. However, the runner from first was called out for interference and the runners were sent back to their bases. With two outs and the bases still loaded, Aliyah Rincon flared a shot into shallow left field. The Chargers had a play on the ball but miscommunication led to an error by the shortstop. Prai and Foote, who were both running with two outs, easily scored to put the Warriors on the scoreboard. Back-to-back singles by Diana Nisbett and Amanda Schmaderer drove in three more. A double by Carly Pfitzer scored Schmaderer to make it 6-0. The Chargers, who were visibly frustrated, regrouped in their dugout and came out looking to get back the runs they surrendered. Three singles, with an out recorded in the middle, loaded the bases. They got their first run in via a fielder’s choice and then scored a second on a Midland error. The game ended on a flyout to centerfield. Hailee Fliam went the distance in the circle. She scattered 10 hits while allowing one earned run. She had nine strikeouts and walked none for the complete-game win. Statistical Standouts GAME TWO: Midland 4, Briar Cliff 0 In the 4th, Mia Orduna led off the inning with a single. Halle Meyer came on to run for her and was nearly stranded as the Warriors popped out to the infield and struck out. On the strikeout, Meyer stole second to get into scoring position. With two outs, Sheridan Wayne came through with an RBI single, scoring Meyer. Carly Pfitzer continued the inning with an RBI single of her own, making it 2-0. Aliyah Rincon threw a three-hit complete game, going 7.0 innings with nine strikeouts for the victory. Midland (30-7, 17-3) will close out their regular season on Tuesday when they travel to take on Doane (24-25, 8-12 GPAC). The Warriors, who currently hold a two-game lead over Mount Marty, can clinch at least a share of the GPAC Regular Season Championship with one more win and clinch it with a sweep. Game time of game one on April 26 is set for 3:00 p.m. in Crete, Nebraska.
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