Warriors Complete Weekend Sweep over Viterbo

FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University wrapped up its weekend series with a doubleheader against Viterbo University on Sunday afternoon at Moller Field in Fremont. The Warriors achieved a four-game sweep over the V-Hawks, securing an 8-6 win in game one and a resounding 12-6 victory in game two to move to 10 games over .500.

GAME ONE: Midland 8, Viterbo 6

The Warriors initiated the opening inning with Yealex Lopez and Jacob Liquori on base, courtesy of a walk and an error by the V-Hawks. Joshua Hardamon fired his bat, delivering a single that brought home the Lopez and Liquori, propelling the Warriors to an early 2-0 lead.

Midland continued to set their bats ablaze in the 2nd inning, kickstarting with a double by Garrett Freeman and followed by a single from Deven Gomez. Lopez stepped up, singling to bring home Freeman, while Liquori reached base on a fielder's choice, allowing Gomez to cross home plate. Liquori showcased his speed, stealing second and advancing to third on a V-hawks error. Hadyn Crawford contributed a single, bringing home Liquori and extending the lead to 5-0.

Viterbo managed to get on the board in the 3rd inning, capitalizing on a wild pitch.

After a relatively quiet 4th inning, the Warriors reignited their momentum with consecutive singles by Hardamon and Connor Petersen. The bases were loaded with Warriors as Christopher Ortega received a walk. Freeman followed suit with another walk, ushering Hardamon home. An error allowed Gomez to reach first, bringing Kirkland and Petersen home, and widening their lead to 8-1.

In the 6th inning, the V-Hawks attempted to stage a comeback, executing a grand slam followed by a homer, narrowing the gap to 8-6.

Darius Blasingane came in for the save to give the Warriors the 8-6 victory over Viterbo in game one.

Jay Lambert earned the win with 5.0 innings pitched, only allowing four hits, one run, three walks, and striking out six.

Statistical Standouts

• Joshua Hardamon: 2-for-4, R, 2 RBI
• Deven Gomez: 1-for-3, R, 2 RBI
• Yealex Lopez: 1-for-2, R, RBI
• Hadyn Crawford: 1-for-3, RBI
• Garrett Freeman: 1-for-2, R, RBI, 2B
• Jay Lambert: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 6K

GAME TWO: Midland 12, Viterbo 6

The V-Hawks initiated game two with a run on the board in the 1st inning.

The Warriors quickly heated up as Yealex Lopez and Jacob Liquori reached base, courtesy of a walk and an error by the V-Hawks. Joshua Hardamon singled, loading the bases for the Warriors. Back-to-back walks and a hit by the pitch brought Lopez, Liquori, and Hardamon home. The bases remained loaded as Hadyn Crawford, Connor Petersen, and Alec Villanueva took their turns. Tyler Struck received a walk, scoring Crawford. Deven Gomez tripled to bring in the three Warriors. Gomez made it home as he capitalized on a V-Hawks error, contributing to Midland's commanding 8-1 lead after just one inning.

Hardamon singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch, sparking the 4th inning. Crawford walked, and Petersen doubled, bringing home Hardamon. Dax Wandler stepped up and delivered a home run to right center, further extending the Warriors' lead to 12-1.

In the top of the 7th, the V-Hawks managed to add three more runs to their tally before the conclusion of game two. The Warriors sealed the weekend series with a resounding 12-6 victory in the second game over Viterbo.

Tyler Dunham picked up the win with 3.0 innings pitched, only allowing one hit, three runs, one walk, and striking out two.

Statistical Standouts

• Dax Wandler: 1-for-2, R, 3 RBI, HR
• Deven Gomez: 1-for-2, R, 3 RBI, 3B
• Connor Petersen: 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, 2B
• Hadyn Crawford: 1-for-1, 2 R, RBI, 3 BB
• Tyler Struck: 1-for-1, RBI, BB, 2B
• Joshua Hardamon: 2-for-3, 2 R

"Today, the bats started to come around and we were able to continue to have timely hits," commented head coach Shea Bennett. "There were some guys who drove in some big runs in crucial moments. We can continue to learn from our mistakes regardless of the final score and we will most certainly need to improve as we are heading into conference. It's only going to get harder from here on out. Great home stand. Always fun to sweep at home."

Midland (14-4) will open up their Great Plains Athletic Conference play against Morningside (11-6) on Friday, March 15 at Historic Moller Field in Fremont. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.