The Basics
Score: MNU 5, Spring Arbor 1
Record: MNU (2-2), Spring Arbor (4-1)
Location: Mid-America Sports Complex – Shawnee, Kan.
SHAWNEE, Kan. — MNU delivered a strong all-around performance to secure a 5-1 victory over Spring Arbor in their "home" opener on Thursday. The Pioneers jumped out to an early lead with three runs in the first inning and never looked back, riding
Luis Lopez' dominant start to a victory. After a walk and two singles loaded the bases,
Sean Maple ripped a two-run single to center, scoring
Willy Borquez and
Brentt Olmo. Moments later,
Kaden Owens scored on a double steal attempt, pushing the lead to 3-0. The Pioneers extended their advantage in the fifth inning, as
Javier Melendez grounded out to third to bring home
Willy Borquez and make it 4-0. Spring Arbor managed to break through in the sixth with an unearned run, but MNU immediately responded in the bottom half.
Drew Woodley doubled to left-center, then later scored on a wild pitch, sealing the 5-1 victory.
Turning Point
A two-run single by
Sean Maple in the first inning set the tone, giving MNU an early advantage they would not relinquish.
Individual Leaders
Luis Lopez picked up the win with 8 strikeouts in 5.1 innings.
Reece Helland earned a save with 2 strikeouts in 1.2 innings of relief. And
Willy Borquez (1-3, 2 R, BB),
Brentt Olmo (2-3, R, 2B), and
Sean Maple (1-3, 2 RBI) led the offense.
Up Next
The next game is Friday at the Mid-America Sports Complex vs. Spring Arbor (4-2) after SAU's noon game vs. Columbia. Around 2:30.
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