Mustangs sweep Lancers in first doubleheader of the weekend

YANKTON, S.D. – Morningside and Mount Marty moved their four-game series up two days to try and beat the pending inclement weather, and the Mustangs took the first two games Thursday afternoon in Yankton. Morningside won game one 4-0 and game two 5-2.

The Mustangs scored two in the first inning, first on a Ryan Kiolbassa RBI-single. Eddie Brancato scored the second run of the inning to make it 2-0.

Kai Purdy-Burton tossed a complete game shutout, starting out by striking out the first five batters he faced. Purdy-Burton finished with 10 strikeouts. The Lancers managed three hits and three walks off Purdy-Burton, but didn't push a run across.

Kiolbassa reached on an error, but Brancato scored on the play to make it 3-0, Morningside, after three. Kiolbassa added an insurance run in the fifth on a fielder's choice. Kiolbassa finished with one hit and three RBI. Brancato added two hits, including a double that tied the program record for career doubles. He also scored three runs. Jayson Willers added two hits, including a double. Aiden Bishop went 3-for-3 and Luke Froehlich added two hits. 

Bishop was the RBI-machine in game two, driving in four of Morningside's five runs in the win. He hit an RBI-double in the second, was hit by a pitch to bring in a run in the third, recorded an RBI-single in the fifth, and walked in a run in the seventh. Bishop finished with two hits and four RBI.

Kiolbassa added two hits, including a double. On the mound, Cade Nolan earned the win, pitching five and a third innings, striking out six and allowing two runs. Logan Warkentin pitched the final five outs, striking out three. 

The Mustangs and Lancers meet for two more Friday afternoon in Yankton. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 1 p.m.