The Pioneers needed just 5 innings to clinch the final playoff spot for the HAAC Conference Tournament on Friday. After a week of waiting, MNU finally got a chance to play and the offense dominated. Senior
Harrison Helms overcame a 2-run first inning to pitch a complete-game four-hitter for his 6th victory of the season. Baker jumped on top with a single and a homer to start the game, but the Pioneers answered right back in their half of the inning. With one out,
Ben Alison,
Jarid Renzelman, and
Tim Purdin collected consecutive hits to score a run. With two outs,
Kirk Nungester doubled home 2 more to give MNU the lead. The Pioneers kept the pressure on in the second inning with another one-out rally for 3 more runs, and Helms didn't allow Baker back in the game. Two walks, two Baker errors, and four hits including a Kyle Segrave 3-run homer led to 6 more runs and a 10-run lead in the fourth, and Helms shut the door in the 5th for a mercy rule victory.
Kyle Segraves (1-3, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB),
Ben Alison (2-4, 2 R, 2B),
Jarid Renzelman (2-4, 2 R),
Tim Purdin (2-2, 2 R, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, BB),
Josh Greer (2-3, R, 2 RBI, SB), and Dave Staton (1-1, 2 R*, 2 BB) had big games at the plate.
The Pioneers are 22-20 (15-11 HAAC). They will complete the regular season with a double header on Saturday at Baker (15-24, 11-15) at 1:00 PM. The conference tournament will be held at Phil Welch Stadium in St. Joseph, MO starting May 5.
