Mustang
BASEBALL TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022
Morningside University ignites a three-game home set this afternoon with a Great Plains Athletic Conference – North Star Athletic Association match-up against Bellevue University. Head coach Adam Boeve’s Mustangs stand 15-7 after a conference split at Midland this past weekend. The Bruins, coached by Duane Molnux, are 21-7 and have an eight-game win streak.
THE SERIES BU has won 10 in a row against Mside. However, nine of those contests have been decided by four runs or less. They lead the all-time annals 19-7.
THE MATCH-UP Clutch pitching and the long ball allowed Morningside to hold off host Midland University’s attempt for a weekend conference sweep on March 26 and 27. After the Warriors rallied for a game one decision and took advantage of a seven-run third inning attack Saturday for 6-4 and 10-7 victories, head coach Adam Boeve’s crew dug in at Moller Field Sunday. The two victories allowed Boeve to reach the 100-win mark at Morningside. Sophomore pitcher Quintin Holman fired his first collegiate completegame shutout in the opener, spinning seven resplendent frames. He allowed only four hits and no walks, with four strikeouts included. Freshman infielder Jacob O’Dell drilled a home run in Mside’s final at-bat to break up a scoreless draw. Game two was highlighted by a two-run round-tripper off the bat of senior outfielder Carter Ades in the top of the fourth that brought the visitors back from a 3-2 deficit. The blast was enough for freshman reliever Jackson Stephan. He blanked Midland on two hits over the last four frames to ensure the triumph. Holman’s career-to-date mound numbers tell a sparkling story. He hasn’t been touched for more than three earned runs in any of his 19 appearances. Holman’s Sunday matinee victory improved his season record to 3-0 and career mark to 6-1, including a minuscule 1.68 earnedrun average. Bellevue’s offense ranks among the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics best. They sport a .346 team batting average and .538 team slugging percentage, both of which have aided them in rising into the coaches poll top 15 (No. 11). Junior infielder Alec Ackerman has provided a large share of the power supply, hitting .390 with seven home runs, ten doubles, and 30 RBI. The pitching staff features four individuals with five-or-more victories, led by senior Elijah Johnson with six due to 77 strikeouts. Morningside continues its home set Saturday, April 2, hosting Mount Marty University in GPAC action. Start time for the twin bill is 1 p.m. The series continues Sunday, April 3, at 1 p.m. at MMU’s Bob Tereshinski Stadium in Yankton, S.D.