CMU Baseball Takes Two from Missouri Valley
MARSHALL, MO -- The Central Methodist baseball team defeated Missouri Valley in two Heart of America Athletic Conference games on Saturday. The Eagles (16-16, 8-8 HAAC) defeated the Vikings (4-33-1, 1-17 HAAC) by scores of 9-0 and 5-3.
In game one, Central Methodist used three runs in the top of the third inning to take a 4-0 lead. A Matt Gessner sacrifice fly plated Mike Allen to give the visitors a 2-0 advantage. Mason Mershon's single to center field scored Dustin Ray before Merson later scored on an error.
The Eagles added two runs in the sixth and three in the seventh for the final margin. Eli Bowers hit a solo shot to left field to highlight the top of the sixth, while Gessner tripled to left center in the seventh, scoring Neal DeMartin.
Reigning HAAC Pitcher of the Week Drew Greiwe (4-2) picked up the victory on the mound in game one. He threw a complete game, five-hit shutout and fanned seven.
Weston Loftin took the loss. He allowed seven runs, six earned, on 12 hits in six innings.
Missouri Valley held a 2-0 lead in game two before the Eagles tied the contest in the top of the fourth inning. Ray and Bowers each had RBI doubles in the frame.
Central Methodist took a 4-2 upper hand in the top of the sixth inning. Ray tripled to left center, plating DeMartin, and scored in the next at-bat off a single to right by Bowers.
Rhett Quinlan (4-3) grabbed the win in the second contest. He tossed a complete game, allowing three earned runs on six hits while striking out six.
Brandon Cooper dropped the decision for the Vikings. He gave up five runs, four earned, on seven hits in a complete game.
Both teams will return to the diamond on Sunday for a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. CT.