Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University hosted Dakota Wesleyan University in a Great Plains Athletic Conference doubleheader on a chilly Friday afternoon at Moller Field in Fremont. The series, which was originally slated for Sunday, was rescheduled due to anticipated inclement weather. Despite the brisk conditions, the Warriors remained undeterred, igniting their offense to secure a 5-3 triumph in game one, followed by an 11-5 victory in game two, completing the sweep over the Tigers.
GAME ONE: Midland 5, Dakota Wesleyan 3
Jacob Liquori ignited the opening inning with a triple to right center field. He made his way across the plate moments later, capitalizing on a wild pitch, granting the Warriors an early 1-0 advantage.
In the 2nd inning, the Tigers countered, notching a double that brought home a pair of runs, propelling them into the lead.
Deven Gomez kickstarted the action in the 4th with a single. Christopher Ortega followed suit, directing a single to the left side, advancing Gomez to third base. Alec Villanueva then delivered a single, bringing home Gomez and knotting the score at 2-2.
The Tigers mounted a response in the 5th, adding a run to reclaim the lead at 3-2.
Gomez reignited the Warriors’ momentum in the 6th with another solid single. Villanueva followed up with a well-timed hit to advance Gomez to third base. Connor Petersen exhibited patience at the plate, drawing a walk. Hadyn Crawford unleashed a three-run double, scoring Petersen, Gomez, and Villanueva, to put the Warriors back in front, 5-3.
Owen Kelley, who came on during the 6th inning sealed the victory for the Warriors, holding the Tigers scoreless through 1.2 innings. He didn’t allow a single baserunner while tallying three strikeouts.
Statistical Standouts
- Deven Gomez: 2-for-3, 2 R
- Alec Villanueva: 2-for-3, R, RBI
- Hadyn Crawford: 1-for-3, 3 RBI, 2B
- Owen Kelley: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K
GAME TWO: Midland 11, Dakota Wesleyan 5
Jacob Liquori reached base in the 1st inning after being hit by a pitch. Deven Gomez followed up with a well-placed single. A wild pitch allowed Liquori to dash across the plate, granting the Warriors a 1-0 lead.
In the 2nd inning, Connor Petersen kickstarted the Warriors’ offense with a double. Kobe Sandstrom then connected with a single, driving home Petersen. As Kirkland stepped in as a courtesy runner, he swiftly stole second and third base set the stage for Liquori’s single, extending the Warriors’ lead to 4-0.
The Tigers ended their scoreless streak in the top of the 4th with a two-run homer to right field, narrowing the gap. Dakota Wesleyan added another run, tightening the contest, 4-3.
In the bottom half of the inning, Hadyn Crawford drew a crucial walk and advanced to second base on a groundout. Nathaniel Reyes then singled, advancing Crawford to third, and a wild pitch allowed Crawford to cross the plate.
The Tigers managed to add one more run to their tally in the top of the 5th inning.
Gomez continued to fuel the Warriors’ offense with another single. Joshua Hardamon electrified the Warriors with a homer to right-center field, followed by Alec Villanueva‘s single. Crawford then delivered a home run to right field, extending the Warriors’ lead to 8-4.
The Tigers scored their final run of the game in the top of the 6th inning.
In the 7th inning, Villanueva singled to reach base, and Petersen’s single brought him home, furthering the Warriors’ lead.
The Warriors sealed their victory in the 8th inning with a home run from Liquori, securing an 11-5 win.
Tyler Dunham earns the win with 2.2 innings pitched only allowing 3 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, and striking out 3.
Statistical Standouts
- Jacob Liquori: 2-for-4, 3 R, 2 RBI
- Deven Gomez: 3-for-4, R, RBI
- Joshua Hardamon: 1-for-5, R, 2 RBI, HR
- Alec Villanueva: 2-for-4, 2 R
- Connor Petersen: 2-for-4, R, RBI, 2B
- Hadyn Crawford: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR
“The team demonstrated resilience in braving the harsh conditions throughout the day, showcasing their toughness even in adverse weather,” commented head coach Shea Bennett. “It was great to finish the weekend on such a high note. Our starting pitchers delivered solid performances, and once again, the bullpen came through to seal the deal. Continuous learning and improvement remain paramount as we strive to elevate our game further.”
Midland (20-6) is scheduled to make the short trip to Omaha to take on Bellevue (20-9) in a non-conference contest next Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at John Stella Field at Brown Park. Stay tuned to social media and to MidlandAthletics.com for any schedule changes that may occur.
