The Basics
Score: MNU 5 - Taylor 6
Records: MNU (34-27), TU (41-15)
Location: Harris Field | Lewiston, Idaho
LEWISTON, Idaho - The 10-seed Pioneers dropped a 6-5 game to 7-seed Taylor in the first game of the 2023 Avista NAIA World Series on Friday. The Trojans took the lead in the bottom of the 1st with a 2-out bases-loaded walk, then connected on 2 homers in the bottom of the 2nd for 3 more runs and a 4-0 lead. The Pioneers answered back in the top of the 3rd when
Joey Calamaio and
Joshua Hinojos started the inning with singles, and
Sean Maple was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Brycen Sherwood followed with a 2-run single, and one out later
Noah Castillo drove in another run with a single. In the top of the 4th,
Joshua Martinez nailed a solo shot to tie the game at 4.
But Taylor rallied for 2 in the bottom of the 5th to re-take the lead. In the top of the 7th, Maple was hit by a pitch and Sherwood drove him home with a double, but MNU could get no closer in the final innings. Dio Cornet led off the 8th with a single, but the next 6 Pioneers were retired for a 6-5 loss.
Turning Point
Taylor's 2-run 5th proved to be enough.
Individual Leaders
Kristian Hurtado retired all 10 batters he faced in 3.1 innings of relief. And
Brycen Sherwood (2-5, 2B, 3 RBI, SB) and
Joshua Martinez (2-4, HR, RBI) had multi-hit games.
Up Next
The Pioneers play #6-ranked The University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) tomorrow at 10:35 central.
