Pioneers Swept at Baker to Close Regular Season

The Basics
Game 1 Score: MNU 3 - Baker 4 (12 inn)
Game 2 Score: MNU 1 - Baker 4
Records: MNU (28-20, 19-17), BU (24-23, 15-19)
Location: Baker Field - Baldwin City, Kan.

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. - The Pioneers dropped the final two games of the regular season at Baker on Saturday. In Game 1, Baker scored an unearned run in the 1st and 1 more in the 5th for a 2-0 lead. The Pioneers responded in the 6th when pinch hitter Sarah Melodia doubled with 1 out, and Cordelia Hanger cut the deficit in half with a single. With 2 outs, Morgan Fouch tied the score, and the game remained tied for several more innings. Despite starting with a runner at 2nd in the 10th inning, neither team could push across a run until the 12th. The Pioneers scored on an error to take the lead, and Baker struck out twice to start the bottom of the 12th. With 2 strikes and 2 outs and a runner at 2nd, Baker lofted a single to right to tie the game. Two batters later, a walkoff single ended the game 4-3.

Game 1 Turning Point
The walkoff single ended the game.

Game 1 Individual Leaders
Alexis Wilds threw 187 pitches and struck out 8 in 11.2 innings for a complete game loss. And Cordelia Hanger (2-5, R, SB) and Madeline Brooks (2-5, SB) had 2 hits apiece.

In Game 2, both teams were held off the scoreboard until the top of the 4th. Morgan Fouch led off with a double, and Brianna Carter's sacrifice fly gave MNU a 1-0 lead. But Baker rallied for 4 runs in the bottom of the 5th, and MNU couldn't score again for a 4-1 final.

Game 2 Turning Point
Baker's 4-run 5th put the game away.

Game 2 Individual Leaders
Cordelia Hanger (1-3, SB), Morgan Fouch (2-3, R, 2B), and Madeline Brooks (1-3) had MNU's 4 hits.

Up Next
The next game is the first round of the Conference Tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa hosted by Mount Mercy.