Warriors Wrap Up Weekend with Saturday Sweep

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Concluding its journey to Oskaloosa, Iowa, Midland University showcased resilience on Saturday afternoon against Judson University and William Penn University. Facing a nine-run deficit in the opener, the Warriors staged a thrilling 10-9 comeback over Judson. The momentum carried into the weekend's final game as Midland completed a Saturday sweep with a 5-1 win over William Penn.

GAME ONE: MIDLAND 10, JUDSON 9

After four scoreless innings from both teams, the Eagles ignited their offense, tallying six runs on the scoreboard in the top of the 5th. Judson extended its lead in the 6th, adding three more runs for a commanding advantage in the game.

In the bottom of the 6th, Midland broke its offense slum as Christopher Ortega launched a solo home run. Tyler Struck followed suit with a double, putting Ben Kirkland into the game as a courtesy runner. Jacob Liquori drew a walk, setting the stage for Nathaniel Reyes to fire his bat for a homer, narrowing the deficit to 9-4.

An inning later, after holding the Eagles at bay, Ortega drew a walk to begin the final scheduled at-bat. A single by Struck followed by a single by Liquori brought Ortega home. Reyes earned a walk to load the bases with no outs. Yealex Lopez singled, bringing a run home, and narrowing the gap to just three runs.

Joshua Hardamon earned an RBI with a walk then gave way to Trystan Mills who entered, representing the potential game-winning run. With the bases still full, Connor Petersen was hit by a pitch, bringing the deficit to one run. As Alec Villanueva walked, the game was tied at 9-9. The walk-off come-from-behind win was clinched as Mills came racing home, scoring on a passed ball to seal the exciting 10-9 win.

The Warriors used four pitchers in the game. Following Jay Lambert's 4.2-inning start, Cody Kent and Derek Lambert each got a pair of outs. Michael Crump came in for the final inning, earning the win.

Statistical Standouts

• Nathaniel Reyes: 1-for-1, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR
• Jacob Liquori: 1-for-2, 2 R, RBI
• Christopher Ortega: 1-for-1, 2 R, RBI, HR
• Yealex Lopez 2-for-4, R, RBI

GAME TWO: MIDLAND 5, WILLIAM PENN 1

The 1st inning saw Yealex Lopez earn a walk, while Jacob Liquori reached first due to a Statesmen error, advancing Lopez to second. Connor Petersen then stepped up to the plate, delivering a home rim that granted the Warriors an early 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the 2nd, William Penn broke its silence by putting one run on the board, which would later prove to be their sole run of the game.

The momentum stayed with Midland in the 5th when Jacob Liquori homered, extending the lead to 4-1.

In the 6th inning, Christopher Ortega initiated the offense with a single, prompting Ben Kirkland into the game to pinch run. Kirkland capitalized on a Statesmen error, advancing to second and then to third, positioning himself for a score. Deven Gomez's subsequent single brought home Kirkland.

In the final inning, Darius Blasingane took the mound to close the game, securing a 5-1 victory for the Warriors over William Penn.

Statistical Standouts

• Connor Petersen: 1-for-3, R, 3 RBI, HR
• Jacob Liquori: 1-for-4, 2 R, RBI, HR
• Deven Gomez: 2-for-3, RBI

"The boys battled hard till the end. Same story as yesterday where they didn't give in until the last out and found a way to win," commented head coach Shea Bennett. "The second game was powered by the pitching staff who did a phenomenal job. Vincent came in and threw some big innings for us and Keegan and Darius closed the door behind him. Some timely hitting came in as well."

Midland (10-4) will host a four-game series against Viterbo (1-18) for its home opener. The teams are scheduled to play doubleheaders on Saturday, March 9, and Sunday, March 10. First pitch of game one is slated for 1:00 p.m. at Moller Field in Fremont, Nebraska.