Thomson gem sends Mustangs to series-opening split

MAYVILLE, N.D. – Junior catcher Braden Smutz (JR/Lake Stevens, Wash.) (Lake Stevens, Wash.), junior infielder Carter Kratz (JR/Vermillion, SD) (Vermillion, S.D.), and sophomore outfielder Michael Boomgarden (SO/Yuba City, Calif.) (Yuba City, Calif.) each produced multiple-hit outings in game one of a non-conference doubleheader Saturday, March 13.

Smutz homered and scored twice, while Kratz finished with three hits, two runs scored, and an RBI and Boomgarden added a two-hit, one-run-scored effort that allowed head coach Adam Boeve's Morningside College squad to upend Mayville State University 8-4. The trio's totals were part of a 12-hit team attack that supported an impressive start from freshman southpaw starter Caleb Thomson (FR/Libertyville, Ill.) (Libertyville, Ill.). Thomson kept the host Comets to just one run on one hit over five frames with seven strikeouts included. Freshman Josh Pratt (FR/LeMars, IA) (LeMars, Iowa) came out of the bullpen to work the final two innings to register a save.

Mside attempted to push a current win streak to four in the nightcap at Scott Berry Field. Freshman infielder Wade Canaday (FR/Marshalltown, Iowa) (Marshalltown, Iowa) launched a two-run home run in the second for a quick 2-0 advantage. However, Mayville State answered with two in their half of the second and pushed across a single score in the sixth with a big fly to edge past the Maroon 3-2.

Boomgarden compiled his third straight multiple-safety contest with a pair of singles in four at-bats to spotlight Morningside's game two offensive headlines. Freshman right-hander Justin Lottman (FR/Lincoln, Neb.) (Lincoln, Neb.) kept MSU's bats at bay for a large section of the contest, going six innings with four strikeouts and only one earned run surrendered.

The Mustangs (7-13) conclude their four-game set with Mayville State Sunday, March 14. The doubleheader gets underway at noon.