Mustangs crush OUAZ's Spirit in walk-off win

TUCSON, ARIZ. – Morningside responded to yesterday's losses to Benedictine-Mesa by bouncing back with an 18-7 rout of Ottawa University of Arizona, walking off the win on a two-run blast from Hunter Jenkins.

While Morningside defeated Ottawa easily, the win was far from smooth sailing as the Mustangs gave up five runs in the top of the second inning. Fortunately they were able to tag Ottawa's starter for a matching five runs before giving up another in the third, silencing the Spirit bats until the seventh inning.

Morningside was able to put together offense in the bottom of the fourth, pulling ahead for good with a pair of runs, blowing the game open in the bottom of the fifth with a six-run inning. The Mustangs added on with three runs in the sixth and a pair in the bottom of the seventh, which was enough to conclude the game.

Nick Grajeda has continued to drive in runs for the Mustangs, recording six RBIs on three hits, including a pair of doubles, in today's contest. Jayson Willers and Eddie Brancato each accounted for three RBIs, and Hunter Jenkins had two. Brancato's day at the plate included a double in two hits, while Willers' three hits in three trips were all singles. Jenkins went 3-for–4 on the day, including the game-ending two-run homer. Brian Garcia had three hits, including a double, and an RBI in the contest, and Alex Calabrese had two hits and an RBI.

Joe Harris threw 4.2 innings in relief in the day's abbreviated game, giving up three hits and an earned run, striking out three.

The Mustangs are back on the diamond on Friday, March 10, playing a double-header against Dickinson State.