Courtesy of Midland Athletics
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Midland University wrapped up its trip to Kansas City with games against Waldorf University and Valley City State University on Sunday. The Warriors began the day strong with an 11-1 win over Valley City State before dropping the second game, 9-2 against Waldorf University.
GAME ONE: Midland 11, Valley City State 1
After a quiet 1st inning, Midland’s offense ignited in the bottom of the 2nd. The action commenced with a walk for Connor Petersen, followed by a sharp single to left field by Alec Villanueva. The bases were loaded as Garrett Freeman earned a walk. Nathaniel Reyes delivered a single that brought in a run and then Kobe Sandstrom drew a walk to bring in the second run of the inning. With Ben Kirkland stepping in as a pinch runner, Yealex Lopez launched a grand slam home run to left field, propelling the Warriors to an early 6-0 advantage.
Valley City State secured its lone run in the 3rd inning through a combination of a single, double, and a groundout.
The momentum stayed with the Warriors in the bottom of the 4th. Joshua Hardamon opened the frame with a single, then Haydn Crawford struck a double, bringing Hardamon home and extending the lead, 7-1.
In the 5th, Villanueva led off with another solid single, and following a pair of outs, Reyes reached first due to a Vikings error. Midland capitalized on the opportunity as Sandstrom hit a double to right field, scoring two runs. Lopez contributed another single, bringing in Kirkland who had come on to run once more. Deven Gomez blasted a two-run homer to right field, capping off the impressive 11-1 win for the Warriors.
William Gonzales pitched 4.0 innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out five for the win. Zachary Vincent and Michael Crump came out on in relief, combining for 3.0 innings with one hit and three strikeouts.
Statistical Standouts
- Yealex Lopez: 2-for-3, 2 R, 5 RBI, BB, HR
- Deven Gomez: 1-for-4, R, 2 RBI, HR
- Nathaniel Reyes: 1-for-3, 2 R, RBI
- Kobe Sandstrom: 1-for-2, 2 RBI
- Alec Villanueva: 2-for-3, R, BB
GAME TWO: Waldorf 9, Midland 2
The Waldorf offense ignited in the bottom of the 1st, securing an early 5-0 advantage after holding Midland in check in its first at-bat.
In the 2nd, Connor Petersen hit a solo home run to left field, trying to ignite the Warriors’ attack. Waldorf shut them down though and kept them at bay most of the game.
After Waldorf extended its lead to 9-1 with a pair of runs in the 2nd and 6th innings, Midland had its work cut out in the final at-bat.
In a bid for a comeback, Hadyn Crawford the 7th inning with a single. Trystan Mills came on to run and made his way to third as Peterson delivered a single to left. Alec Villanueva hit the third-straight base hit, bringing in a run as Midland attempted a last-inning rally. However, the Vikings managed to put a stop to their hopes, getting the final three out before any more damage could be done, and securing a 9-2 victory.
Jay Lambert was dealt the loss, going just one inning. Cody Kent, Keegan Adams, and Darius Blasingane worked out of the bullpen to close out the contest.
Statistical Standouts
- Connor Petersen: 2-for-3, R, RBI, HR
- Alec Villanueva: 1-for-3, RBI
“The boys continue to come closer together as a group and play for one another. They are going to keep learning and keep getting better as the season goes on,” commented head coach Shea Bennett. “I believe we have yet to play our best baseball and are still only just getting started. We are excited for the next challenge this upcoming weekend as we have just two more weekends before we get into conference play where the real season begins.”
Midland (7-3) will travel to Oskaloosa, Iowa to compete against William Penn (5-6) and Judson (1-4) in a pair of split-day doubleheaders on Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2.
