Pioneers Fall Twice in Conference Tourney

The Basics
Score 1: MNU 8 – CMU 21 (7 inn)
Score 2: MNU 4 – Mt. Mercy 14 (7 inn)
Record: MNU (33-16)
Location: Ozark Mountain Sports Complex | Ozark, Mo.

OZARK, Mo. – MNU was eliminated from the conference tournament with 2 losses on Saturday.

In Game 1 vs. #23 Central Methodist, the Eagles jumped on the Pioneers with a 4-run 1st inning, but MNU answered with 4 runs in the bottom of the 3rd to take a 5-4 lead. CMU scored multiple runs in each of the next 4 innings, and won via the 10-run rule 21-8.

Game 1 Turning Point
CMU's 4-run 4th turned a deficit into a lead.

Game 1 Individual Leaders
Javier Melendez (3-4, 2 R), Kaden Owens (3-4, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI), Willy Borquez (3-4, R, HR, 3 RBI), and Christopher Lugo (2-4, R, 2B, RBI) had multi-hit games.

In Game 2 vs. Mount Mercy, the Mustangs scored multiple runs in the first 4 innings, and the offense couldn't keep up in a 14-4 loss in a 7-inning run rule game.

Game 2 Turning Point
Mt. Mercy's 3-run 2nd inning game them the lead for good.

Game 2 Individual Leaders
Giancarlo Cortez and Logan Burbach each pitched a scoreless inning of relief. And Brentt Olmo (1-3, 2 R, 2B, BB), Javier Melendez (2-4, RBI), Sean Maple (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI), and Riggs Harper (1-3, 2B, RBI) led the offense.

Up Next
The Pioneers await the selection show (May 7, 4pm) to see if they can claim at at-large berth to Nationals.