Courtesy of Midland Athletics
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Midland University traveled to West Palm Beach, Florida, for a four-game weekend series against No. 24 Keiser University. The Warriors opened the series with a nine-inning game Friday afternoon but fell 4-2 after a late surge by the Seahawks.
Hunter Spencer got the Warriors started with a one-out double to left field to put a runner in scoring position. Jimmy Martinez followed with a two-run home run to left, giving Midland a 2-0 lead at the end of the top of the first inning.
No. 24 Keiser responded in the bottom of the first, cutting the deficit in half. After a hit-by-pitch and a single up the middle, the Seahawks plated a run to make it 2-1 after one inning.
After six scoreless innings from both teams, the Seahawks found the equalizer in the bottom of the seventh. With the bases loaded, a run scored on an error to tie the game at 2-2.
Keiser took the lead in the bottom of the eighth, drawing a walk followed by a double to bring in a run. A hit-by-pitch and a sacrifice fly to center field added another, extending the lead to 4-2.
Midland battled until the final out, but Keiser held the Warriors scoreless in the ninth to secure the 4-2 win.
Statistical Standouts
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Jimmy Martinez: 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
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Hunter Spencer: 1-for-4, 2B, R
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Easton Mitchell: 2-for-3, 2 SB
Midland (2-9) will continue the series Saturday, Feb. 28, with a doubleheader against No. 24 Keiser. First pitch is scheduled for 8 a.m. CST, with Game 2 to follow.
