The Basics
Score: MNU 7 - Freed-Hardeman 6
Records: MNU (37-16) - HFU (37-16)
Location: Jim Wade Stadium | Oklahoma City, Okla.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - The 3-seeded Pioneers trailed early, but made a late push to beat #20 and 2-seed Freed-Hardeman 7-6 in the Opening Round on Monday. MNU scored first in the top of the 2nd on a throwing error, but the Lions answered with 2 in the bottom of the inning to take the lead. Freed increased the lead with a 3-run 5th, but the Pioneers started their comeback in the 6th. A
Noah Castillo leadoff infield single was followed by a walk, and
Dionathan Cornett crushed an 0-2 pitch over the left field wall for a 3-run homer and 5-4 deficit. In the top of the 7th, Castillo led off with a solo blast, and a 2-out rally culminated with a
Josh Torrance RBI single to give the Pioneers a 6-5 lead. In the top of the 8th, a
Brycen Sherwood 2-out double was followed with a run-scoring error, and MNU took a 7-5 lead into the 9th. Closer
Nathan Torres struck out the first batter, then found trouble when back-to-back errors put runners on 1st and 3rd. A wild pitch followed to bring home a run, a stolen base put the tying run at third, and a walk put the winning run on first. A foul popout kept the runners at bay, but another stolen base put the winning run in scoring position. Torres escaped with another strikeout, and MNU won 7-6 to advance.
Turning Point
Dionathan Cornett's 3-run homer shifted the momentum.
Individual Leaders
Zach Trevino struck out 9 in 6.2 innings for the win.
Reece Helland retired all 4 batters he faced.
Nathan Torres worked in and out of trouble for his 13th save. And
Noah Castillo (2-5, 2 R, HR, RBI),
Dionathan Cornett (2-5, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI),
Ryan Leo (3-5), and
Josh Torrance (3-4, RBI, SB) led the offense.
Up Next
The next game is Tuesday vs. #3-ranked and host Oklahoma City (48-4) at 2:30.
