Warriors Split Pair of Neutral-Site Contests in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Midland University traveled to Kansas City, Kansas to compete this weekend against Waldorf University and Valley City State University. The Warriors faced a setback in game one of the four-game weekend, falling to Waldorf by a score of 7-2. They rebounded in the second game, coming back to earn a 6-5 win over Valley City State in eight innings.

GAME ONE: Waldorf 7, Midland 2

Waldorf unleashed a barrage of hits in the initial four innings, securing a commanding 6–0 lead.

Midland broke through on the scoreboard in the 4th inning when Deven Gomez doubled, setting the stage for Josh Hardamon's two-run home run.

Waldorf extended their lead in the 5th inning with a solo homer, capping off the 7-2 victory over Midland.

Statistical Standouts

• Josh Hardamon: 1-for-3, R, 2 RBI, HR
• Deven Gomez: 2-for-3, R, 2B

GAME TWO: Midland 5, Valley City State 4

Following a quiet 1st inning for both teams, Valley City State seized an early lead in the bottom of the 2nd with a double, scoring two runs on one hit and three walks.

After a scoreless 3rd inning, the Warriors' offense ignited in their ensuing at bat. Alec Villanueva kickstarted the inning with a single, and Nathaniel Reyes and Kobe Sandstrom loaded the bases after being hit by pitches. As Ben Kirkland entered as a pinch runner for Sandstrom, a wild pitch brought in Villanueva to score. A groundout brought Reyes home, and then Deven Gomez's single to right field brought in the third run, giving Midland a 3-2 lead.

Villanueva launched a home run to left field in the 5th inning, extending the lead to 4-2.

The Vikings countered in their half of the 5th with a two-run home run to center field, tying the game. They moved in front an inning later with a solo homer, making it 5-4.

In the top of the 7th, Villanueva delivered once more, hitting his second homer of the game tying the score at 5-5, setting up the possibility for extra innings.

After a quiet bottom 7th inning for the Vikings, the Warriors continued their momentum in the 8th inning. Yealex Lopez began the inning with a single, and then two batters later, Hadyn Crawford doubled to left field to put Midland back in front. Valley City State got a one-out double in the bottom half but back-to-back pop-ups to the infield closed the game.

Owen Kelley earned the win as he pitched 3.0 innings, allowing three hits and one run, while striking out three batters. Cole Hupke started the game and went 5.0 innings with seven strikeouts.

Statistical Standouts

• Alec Villanueva: 3-for-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 HR
• Yealex Lopez: 3-for-5, R, RBI, 2B
• Hadyn Crawford: 1-for-3, RBI, 2B, 2 BB
• Owen Kelley: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 4 K

"It was a back-and-forth game where both teams were throwing punches. Our guys never quit and outlasted them," said head coach Shea Bennett. "The team fed off the performances of Alec and Owen, they were fun to watch. We still need to continue to learn from each game and get better. Looking to come out ready to play right from the first pitch tomorrow."

Midland (6-2) will wrap up its trip in Kansas City as they face Valley City State in game one at 10:00 a.m. followed by a rematch with Waldorf at 3:00 p.m.