The Basics
Score 1: MNU 0 – Dordt 8
Score 2: MNU 2 – Dordt 3
Score 3: MNU 16 – Dordt 2
Score 4: MNU 2 – Dordt 7
Records: MNU (3-9), Dordt (6-6)
Location: Olathe, Kan. - Dixon Stadium at Robbie Jones Field
OLATHE, Kan. – MNU dropped 3 of 4 at home to Dordt on Thursday and Friday.
In Game 1, Dordt set the tone early in the opener, scoring in each of the first 4 innings to build a 6-0 lead. The Defenders held MNU off the board and allowed just 4 hits, claiming an 8-0 victory.
Game 1 Turning Point
Dordt's 2-run 1st inning proved to be enough.
Game 1 Individual Leaders
Joe Wolstzniak pitched a scoreless inning of relief. And Christian Ramos (1-3, 2B) had a double.
In Game 2, the Pioneers took a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning, but didn't score again while Dordt was able to mount a comeback. Noah Castillo's sacrifice fly and Christian Ramos' RBI double put the Pioneers in front, but single runs from Dordt in the top of the 3rd and the top of the 6th tied it. The Defenders took the lead on a wild pitch in the top of the 7th, and MNU couldn't come back in the bottom of the inning, falling 3-2.
Game 2 Turning Point
The 7-inning wild pitch that plated the go-ahead run proved decisive.
Game 2 Individual Leaders
Preston Graber struck out 6 in 5 innings in a no-decision. Giancarlo Cortez struck out 3 in 2 innings of relief. And Ronnie Rowley (1-2, R, HBP), Riggs Harper (2-3, 2B), and Christian Ramos (1-3, 2B, RBI) had MNU's 4 hits.
In Game 3, MNU erupted for 16 runs on 13 hits in a comfortable victory. The Pioneers plated 4 runs in the 2nd inning, then broke the game open with 6Â in the 4th and 6 more in the 5th.
Ronnie Rowley ignited the offense with three hits, including a triple, and drove in three runs. Jeremy Morales launched a 3-run homer as part of a 5-RBI day, and Kaden Owens added 2 hits and 2 RBIs.
On the mound, Noah Castillo delivered five strong innings, allowing 2 runs while striking out 5 before turning it over to the bullpen.
Game 3 Turning Point
The 4-run 2nd inning was enough.
Game 3 Individual Leaders
Noah Castillo earned the win with 5 strikeouts in 5 innings. Matthias Hardy pitched 2 scoreless innings of relief. And Ronnie Rowley (3-4, 2 R, 3B, 3 RBI, SB), Riggs Harper (1-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB), Kaden Owens (2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI), Christian Ramos (2-4, RBI), Jeremy Morales (2-3, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB, SB), Ryan Martinez (2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB), Cobin Stockstill (0-2, 2 R, 2 BB, SB), and Garrett Lester (0-2, 3 R, 2 BB, SB) led the offense.
In Game 4, MNU again jumped in front early. The Pioneers scored in the 1st on a wild pitch and added another in the 3rd, but a disastrous 5th inning doomed MNU and gave the series to Dordt. With 2 outs and a runner on first, a walk put the tying runs on base, and a seemingly harmless fly ball dropped in for a double and cut the deficit in half. A passed ball tied the game, and an RBI single put Dordt in front. A 3-run triple blew the game open, and another RBI single pushed across the inning's 7th run. Neither team scored again, and the Defenders took the finale.
Game 4 Turning Point
Dordt's 7-run 5th inning flipped control of the game and proved insurmountable.
Game 4 Individual Leaders
Brailyn Cruz struck out 9 in 4.2 innings in a tough-luck loss. Jackson Noland struck out 2 in 1.2 innings of relief. And Riggs Harper (1-4, R, 2B), Kaden Owens (1-3, 2B), and Christian Ramos (1-3, 2B) each had a double.
Up Next
The next double header is Thursday at Columbia at 12:00/2:30.
Â
