Warriors Split on Final Day in Arizona
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Westcliff (CA) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
|
Midland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 1 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Midland | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 2 |
|
Mayville State | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 0 |
TUCSON, Ariz. – No. 19 Midland University was back in action Saturday for the final time at the Tucson Invitational Games, playing a pair of contests. The Warriors earned a six-inning, 8-0 run-rule victory over Westcliff University before being edged by Mayville State University, 3-2, later in the day. Midland finished its week in Arizona with a 5-2 record, wrapping up the nonconference portion of its schedule.
GAME ONE: Midland 8, Westcliff 0 (six innings)
Midland used a pair of big innings to win the battle of the Warriors against Westcliff. After three scoreless frames, MU broke through with three runs in the fourth inning.
Maddison Zach drove in the first run with a double to left field, scoring Charlee Wegner, who had entered as a pinch runner. Following a pitching change with no outs and two on, Claire Wisnieski lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home MaKenna Watkins. Sophie De Rouin then singled to left to plate the final run of the inning.
After a scoreless fifth, Midland loaded the bases in the sixth on a walk by Zach, a single from Brie Lively, and a fielder's choice by De Rouin. Grace Behrns drove in the lead runner with a single through the left side, and Emma Hodnet followed with a sacrifice fly to right to score Lively.
Isabelle Pagan cleared the bases with a two-run double to center field. Paxton Mitties entered as a pinch runner and later scored the final run when Zach reached on a two-out error with the bases loaded.
Mackenzie Groninga earned the win with a six-inning shutout, allowing three hits while striking out seven.
Statistical Standouts
- Grace Behrns: 1-for-4, R, RBI
- Emma Hodnet: 1-for-1, RBI, 2 BB, SF, SB
- Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, 2B
- Maddison Zach: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, 2B, SB
- Sophie De Rouin: 1-for-3, R, RBI
- Mackenzie Groninga: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 7 K
GAME TWO: Mayville State 3, Midland 2
In the final game of the week, Midland fell behind early as Mayville State scored two runs in the first inning on three hits and an error. The Warriors answered in their next at-bat when Jayci Reimers led off with a single and later scored on an RBI groundout by Danielle Schoby.
Midland held the Comets scoreless until the top of the fifth, when the Warriors evened the score. De Rouin doubled to open the inning and moved to third on a sacrifice fly by Behrns. Hodnet then singled to right field to bring her home and tie the game at 2-2.
Midland threatened again in the sixth after loading the bases with one out, but a strikeout and groundout allowed Mayville State to escape the jam and keep the game tied.
In the seventh, Mayville State retired Midland in order before loading the bases with one out in the bottom half. An infield error allowed the game-winning run to score, handing the Warriors a heartbreaking loss.
Campbell Petrick took the loss after pitching 6.1 innings. She allowed eight hits and two earned runs.
Statistical Standouts
- Emma Hodnet: 1-for-4, RBI
- Jayci Reimers: 2-for-3, R
- MaKenna Watkins: 2-for-3, 2B
- Sophie De Rouin: 1-for-3, R, 2B
Midland (18-8) now turns its attention to conference play after returning to Nebraska. The Warriors will open Great Plains Athletic Conference action Wednesday when they host Concordia (9-7). First pitch of game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Schilke Fields in Fremont, Nebraska.