Courtesy of Midland Athletics
LINCOLN, Neb. – Midland University stepped out of conference and NAIA action on Tuesday for a doubleheader against Nebraska Wesleyan University (NCAA Division III) in Lincoln. Playing at the newly constructed Sandhills Global Youth Complex, the Prairie Wolves took Game 1, 4-2. The Warriors responded with a 1-0 shutout victory to split the series.
GAME ONE: Nebraska Wesleyan 4, Midland 2
Playing in front of their home fans for the first time this season, the Prairie Wolves struck early, scoring three runs on three hits in the first inning. NWU limited Midland to just two baserunners through the first five innings.
In the sixth, Ariyana Crafton worked a two-out walk and quickly stole second. Isabelle Pagan followed with a two-run home run to left-center, pulling the Warriors within one. NWU escaped the inning and added an insurance run in the bottom half of the frame.
Midland was retired in order in the seventh as the Prairie Wolves secured the 4-2 win.
Paeton Coler pitched a complete game, allowing four earned runs on five hits while striking out five.
Statistical Standouts
- Ariyana Crafton: 1-for-2, BB, SB
- Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-3, R, 2 RBI, HR
GAME TWO: Midland 1, Nebraska Wesleyan 0
Runs were at a premium in the second game, despite a strong start by the Warriors. Reese Floro led off with a double to right-center. After a walk and a sacrifice bunt advanced runners into scoring position, Kamdyn Barrientos delivered an infield single to drive in what would be the game’s only run.
Campbell Petrick was stellar in the circle, retiring the first seven batters she faced. She worked around baserunners throughout the game, generating several ground-ball outs while striking out six.
Midland put runners on base in five of the final six innings but was unable to add to its lead. The Warriors finished with seven hits while holding NWU to four.
Statistical Standouts
- Campbell Petrick: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 6 K
- Reese Floro: 1-for-4, R, 2B
- Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-2, 2B, SAC
- Kamdyn Barrientos: 2-for-3, RBI, 2B
Midland (18-10, 1-1 GPAC) returns to action this weekend with road games against No. 4 Northwestern (24-5, 4-0 GPAC) on Friday in Orange City, Iowa, and Briar Cliff (6-14, 0-4 GPAC) on Saturday in Sioux City, Iowa. First pitch against the Red Raiders is set for 3 p.m. on March 21.
