The Basics
Score 1: MNU 1, Baker 5
Score 2: MNU 5, Baker 7
Score 3: MNU 6, Baker 5
Score 4: MNU 16, Baker 6
Records: MNU (17-24, 9-11), Baker (21-17, 9-11)
Location: Olathe, Kan. - Dixon Stadium
OLATHE, Kan. – MNU dropped both games of a doubleheader to Baker on Friday before sweeping Saturday to earn the split.
In Game 1, Baker capitalized early, scoring 2 runs in the 1st inning on a 2-out bases-loaded single, then adding single runs in the 2nd and 2 in the 3rd to take a 5-0 lead.
The Pioneers put together consistent offense throughout the game, finishing with 11 hits, but couldn't find the big hit to break through. Ronnie Rowley led the charge with a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate, while Kaden Owens added 2 hits and drove in MNU's lone run in the 6th inning.
Game 1 Turning Point
Baker's 2-run single in the 1st proved to be enough.
Game 1 Individual Leaders
Daniel Melendez pitched 4 hitless innings of relief. And Ronnie Rowley (4-4, 2 SB) and Kaden Owens (2-3, RBI) recorded multi-hit games.
In Game 2, Baker again struck first, taking a 3-0 lead through 4 innings before MNU responded. The Pioneers got on the board in the 4th to close the gap, but the Wildcats blew the game open with 4 in the 5th to take a 7-1 lead. A Ronnie Rowley triple led to an MNU run in the 5th, and the Pioneers mounted a final rally in the 7th. Rowley launched a 2-run homer, and another run crossed later in the inning to cut the deficit to 7-5. However, the rally fell short as Baker closed out the win.
Game 2 Turning Point
Baker's 4-run 5th inning created separation that held despite MNU's late push.
Game 2 Individual Leaders
Joe Wolstzyniak struck out 3 in 1.2 scoreless innings. Carson Torrance pitched a perfect 7th inning. And Ronnie Rowley (2-4, 2 R, 3B, HR, 2 RBI), and Ryan Martinez (2-3) had 2 hits apiece.
In Game 3, the Pioneers struck first with a 3-run opening inning, capitalizing on patience at the plate with 2 bases-loaded walks and an RBI single from Christian Ramos. Baker chipped away and eventually took a 5-3 lead, but MNU delivered in the clutch in the bottom of the 7th. With 1 out, back-to-back hit batsmen put the tying runs on base. And with 2 outs, Kaden Owens launched a walkoff 3-run homer to win it.
Game 3 Turning Point
Kaden Owens' walkoff homer.
Game 3 Individual Leaders
Noah Castillo struck out 5 in 5 innings in a no-decision. Giancarlo Cortez earned the win with 2 solid innings in relief. And Ronnie Rowley (2-2, 2 R, 2B, BB, SB, HBP), Riggs Harper (0-1, 2 R, 2 BB, HBP), Kaden Owens (1-3, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, IBB), and Carter Manning (1-2, RBI, BB) led the offense.
In Game 4, MNU's offense erupted in a dominant 16-8 win to complete the doubleheader sweep and salvage the weekend split. The Pioneers wasted no time, scoring 5 runs in the 1st inning behind a string of RBI hits. After Baker briefly cut into the lead, MNU responded with a 5-run 5th inning and an explosive 6th inning highlighted by 2 home runs from Jeremy Morales, including a grand slam.
Game 4 Turning Point
MNU's 5-run 5th inning, capped by a 2-run homer from Noah Castillo, broke the game open.
Game 4 Individual Leaders
Preston Graber struck out 4 in 4 innings for the win. Brailyn Cruz struck out 5 in 2 innings. And Ronnie Rowley (1-3, R, 2 BB, SB), Riggs Harper (2-3, 2 R, RBI, BB), Noah Castillo (2-5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI), Joey Lagina (1-1, R, RBI, BB), Ryan Martinez (2-3, 4 R, RBI, BB, SB, HBP), and Jeremy Morales (3-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI) had big games at the plate.
Up Next
The next double header is Friday & Saturday at Benedictine at 1:00/3:30.
