Blackmon, Maston each drive in three runs in late-inning tie

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Morningside baseball team early Thursday morning drew a tie after 12 innings with 9th-ranked Arizona Christian down in the desert.

The Mustangs (8-1-1) scored four in the first inning, thanks to a two-run double from Luke Blackmon, then a two-run home run from Conner Maston. Blackmon then turned around in the second inning and had an RBI single that scored Corder Noun Harder.

Both Blackmon and Maston had three hits and three RBIs in the tie.

Morningside then plated two more runs during the fifth inning, giving the Mustangs a 7-3 lead.

Arizona Christian fought all the way back to tie it in the ninth inning with a solo home run.

During the 10th inning, Maston hit a solo home run to take the lead again. Noun Harder also had an RBI groundout, while Nathan Thomas drove in a run via a groundout.

Michael Delzell also hit a double in the contest.

The Firestorm again caught up with the Mustangs, this time with two home runs in the 10th inning.

Both teams traded outs in the 11th and 12th innings.

Morningside had five men who pitched during the 12-inning contest. Rhys Fairweather threw the most pitches (61) and the most innings (3.1). He allowed one earned run on three hits.

Mason Hymer allowed one earned run in 2.2 innings, while also striking out four.