Courtesy of Midland Athletics
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – Midland University traveled to Baldwin City, Kansas, for a three-game series against MidAmerica Nazarene University, Dakota State University, and Baker University. In the opening game of the two-day trip, the Warriors faced the Pioneers MidAmerica Nazarene in a neutral-site, nonconference matchup on Monday night. Midland mounted a comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over MNU.
MidAmerica Nazarene took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning with a home run on just the second pitch. The Pioneers kept their bats hot in the second, launching another homer to extend their lead to 2-0.
After two scoreless innings, Brody Boyle sparked Midland’s offense in the top of the 3rd with a bunt single. He then stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and came home to put the Warriors on the board, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
Eimir Perez drew a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Alec Villanueva. Joshua Hardamon followed with a single to center field, bringing Perez home to tie the game at 2-2. Hardamon then stole second, and Nate Reyes reached on a walk. Another wild pitch allowed Hardamon to take third, and with Reyes stealing second, Midland had two runners in scoring position. A final wild pitch brought Hardamon home, giving the Warriors a 3-2 lead to close out the inning.
Owen Kelley shut down the Pioneers the rest of the way, pitching a complete game to secure the win.
Statistical Standouts
- Brody Boyle: 1-for-2, R
- Joshua Hardamon: 1-for-4, RBI, R
- Owen Kelley: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K
Midland (2-7) is set to take on Dakota State (0-5) and Baker (2-4) in a doubleheader on Tuesday, February 25. Game one is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., followed by game two at 4:30 p.m. in Baldwin City.
