Warriors Split Series Opener with Dordt

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – Midland University traveled to Sioux Center, Iowa to take on Dordt University in a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors came up short in the opening game of the day, falling 2-0 to the Defenders. They battled back in the second game, using a seven-run opening to secure the split with a 7-3 win.

GAME ONE: Dordt 2, Midland 0

Dordt secured a 1-0 advantage in the opening inning through a combination of a walk and a triple.

Following a stretch of subdued play from both sides, the Defenders extended their lead with an insurance run in the 4th inning, courtesy of a single and a double.

Dordt kept solid defense, keeping Midland at bay in game one, ultimately sealing the victory with a final score of 2-0.

Midland was limited to just four hits in the game, one each from Garrett Freeman, Deven Gomez, Alec Villanueva, and Connor Petersen. Owen Kelley was saddled with the loss despite a complete-game outing. He allowed four hits and one walk while striking out three Defenders' batters in six innings of work.

GAME TWO: Midland 7, Dordt 3

After being held in check in game one, the Warriors were on fire to start the second game of the doubleheader. Yealex Lopez ignited the surge with a leadoff single then swiftly stole second base. Joshua Hardamon delivered a double, positioning two Warriors in scoring position.

Lopez capitalized on a wild pitch, dashing home, and Garrett Freeman reached first to put runners at the corners one out. Deven Gomez's single drove Hardamon across the plate, maintaining the momentum. Connor Petersen struck his bat for a double, bringing Freeman home. Gomez capitalized on a second wild pitch by the Defenders' starter, making it 4-0.

After Hadyn Crawford drew a walk, Kobe Sandstrom singled to bring Petersen in. As Ben Kirkland entered as a courtesy runner for Sandstrom, back-to-back wild pitches from the Defenders brought home two more runs as the Warriors took a commanding 7-0 after a half inning of play.

The excitement fell off after that as both pitchers and their defenses settled in. Dordt was able to put an end to its scoring drought in the 5th inning, notching one run off of two hits.

After another lull in the action, the Defenders attempted an unlikely rally in the bottom of the 9th. With the Warriors' bullpen mopping up the final few innings, Dordt drew consecutive two-out walks. They followed up with consecutive singles, plating two runs. After getting a third runner aboard via a hit-by-pitch, the Defenders' chances were laid to rest as the Warriors secured the final out, for the 7-3 victory.

Zachary Vincent was stellar on the mound, earning the win with seven innings of work. He allowed three hits and one walk while giving up one earned run. He finished the day with a career-high 10 strikeouts.

Statistical Standouts

• Yealex Lopez: 1-for-4, R, BB, SB
• Joshua Hardamon: 1-for-3, R, 2B, BB, SB
• Deven Gomez: 2-for-4, RBI, R
• Connor Petersen: 1-for-2, RBI, R, 2B
• Kobe Sandstrom: 1-for-4, RBI
• Zachary Vincent: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 10 K

"Pitching and defense dominated the day. Zach [Vincent] and Owen [Kelley] threw very well for us again and have been very consistent for us down the stretch," commented head coach Shea Bennett. "We're excited to honor the seniors on Monday afternoon as we wrap up the regular season and try to reach the 30-win mark."

Midland (27-17, 13-12 GPAC) will have a day off before welcoming Dordt (9-38, 3-23 GPAC) to town for Senior Day on Monday, April 29. The game was originally slated for Friday but due to weather conditions and other restrictions, was rescheduled. First pitch of the final regular season doubleheader is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Moller Field in Fremont, Nebraska.