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Courtesy of Midland Athletics 

O’FALLON, Mo. – Midland University traveled to O’Fallon, Missouri, to compete in a doubleheader against Missouri Baptist University on Saturday. The Warriors dropped both games to the Spartans, falling 9-5 in game one and 10-6 in the second.

GAME ONE: Missouri Baptist 9, Midland 5

Nathaniel Reyes started the game strong with a home run in the top of the 1st inning to give the Warriors a 1-0. Missouri Baptist escaped the inning with just one run allowed despite giving up two hits and two walks.

In their half of the opening frame, the Spartans plated two runs off of just one hit. Midland gave up a walk, a double, and an intentional walk then hit the next batter with the bases loaded to bring in the first run. A sacrifice fly brought in the second run, giving MBU a lead

While holding the Warriors scoreless the next two innings, the Spartans were able to add to their lead with four runs in the 2nd and two more in the 3rd.

In the top of the 4th, Haydn Crawford reached base as the pitch hit him to lead off the inning. Two batters later, Jacob Liquori singled through the left side to advance Crawford to second. A walk by Trey Nichols loaded the bases, and then Beau Boyle earned an RBI as he reached via a fielder’s choice for the second out. With two runners on, Reyes fired up the dugout as he homered to draw the Warriors to within three, 8-5.

After four scoreless half innings, MBU was able to plate the final run of the game in the 6th to close the book on the offense.

Midland used four pitchers in the seven-inning series opener. Keegan Adams started the game and went 2.0 innings, allowing six earned runs in the loss. The bullpen staff of Lucas Hamzeh (1.0), Luis Lepe (1.0), and Connor Petersen (2.0) gave up a combined three runs in relief.

Statistical Standouts

  • Nathaniel Reyes: 2-for-2, 4 RBI, 2 R, 2 HR
  • Jacob Liquori: 2-for-3, R

GAME TWO: Missouri Baptist 10, Midland 6

The Spartans opened the bottom of the first with back-to-back singles, followed by a double and a home run to take the lead 2-0 early on as they looked to earn the doubleheader sweep. Midland had other plans as they roared back with a five-run 3rd off of five hits.

Connor Petersen led off with a double and then scored as Alec Villanueva tripled through the right side following a strikeout at the plate. Beau Boyle reached on an error by the Spartans’ third basemen, bringing home Villanueva. The Warriors’ bats continued to strike as Jacob Liquori, Nathaniel Reyes, and Garrett Freeman hit consecutive singles. Reyes and Freeman each earned an RBI to make it a 4-0 game.

With two outs and runners at the corners, the Warriors attempted a double steal. While Reyes was able to make it in to score, Freeman was caught stealing for the final out of the inning.

After a scoreless inning for the Spartans, they regained their lead by matching the Warriors’ runs of a five-run inning in their half of the 4th. They did so with an RBI single and then a grand slam home run to go back in front, 8-5.

Midland attempted to start a rally in the 6th as they opened the inning with a home run by Freeman. They were nearly able to bust through for another big inning as they loaded the bases with just one out as Dax Wandler reached on a walk, Haydn Crawford was hit by a pitch, and Trey Nichols singled. Missouri Baptist’s reliever was able to settle in though as he recorded back-to-back strikeouts to end the inning.

The Spartans’ offense countered with the game’s final three runs in the bottom of the 6th, clinching the series sweep over the Warriors, 10-6.

Statistical Standouts

  • Garrett Freeman: 2-for-2, 2 RBI, R, HR
  • Alec Villanueva: 1-for-3, RBI, R, 3B
  • Nathaniel Reyes: 1-for-4, RBI, R

Midland (3-7) will continue its road trip to Missouri on Monday when they take on Harris-State State (3-10). First pitch is scheduled for noon at Hornets’ Field in St. Louis.

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