The Basics
Score: MNU 6 - Oklahoma City 5
Records: MNU (38-16) - OCU (48-5)
Location: Jim Wade Stadium | Oklahoma City, Okla.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - MNU captured the biggest win in program history with a 6-5 victory over #3-ranked and 1-seed Oklahoma City on Tuesday. The win puts MNU in the championship game of the Opening Round for the first time. The Pioneers got off to a shaky start as the home team on the scoreboard, when Oklahoma City took advantage of a walk and 2 wild pitches to plate 2 runs. But MNU answered right back, taking advantage of a hit batsman, a walk, and an error to tie the game at 2 against a pitcher with the 3rd best ERA in the country. A solo homer in the 3rd put the Stars up 3-2, but MNU took the lead in the 5th.
Joey Calamaio, subbing for the injured
Noah Castillo, led off with a single. After a sacrifice bunt,
Drew Woodley drilled a 2-run homer over the left field wall for a 4-3 lead. In the top of the 6th, reliever
Reece Helland entered the game with 2 on and 1 out. After a flyout and a walk to load the bases, Helland faced likely NAIA National Player of the Year, Cross Factor - batting well over .500 with 28 homers. The game hung in the balance, and Helland struck out Factor to keep the lead.
Joshuan Sandoval led off the bottom of the inning with a solo homer, and MNU took a 5-3 lead. In the bottom of the 8th, Sandoval drove a ball off the center field wall, scoring
Dionathan Cornett from first and tacking on a much-needed insurance run. Closer
Nathan Torres entered in the 9th, and was promptly greeted with a walk and a 2-run homer from Factor, the first earned runs allowed all season by Torres. A bloop single added more pressure, but Torres slammed the door with a popout and 2 groundouts to end the threat.
Turning Point
Drew Woodley's 2-run homer in the 5th gave MNU the lead for good.
Individual Leaders
Eric Navarette struck out 5 in 2 innings in his role as an opener.
Kristian Hurtado worked 3.1 effective innings for the win.
Reece Helland struck out 4 in 2.2 innings for a hold.
Nathan Torres worked in and out of trouble for his 14th save. And
Drew Woodley (1-2, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, HBP),
Joshuan Sandoval (2-4, R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI), and
Joey Calamaio (1-2, R, BB) led the offense.
Up Next
The next game is Wednesday vs. the 11am winner of #20-ranked Freed-Hardeman (39-16) and #3-ranked and host Oklahoma City (48-5) at 2:30.
