Mustangs push the momentum in split vs. Waldorf

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Morningside's baseball team showed each other at the right time just what it is capable of in the homestretch.

The Mustangs (26-12-1, 13-9 GPAC) cranked out 20 runs in Game 2 Friday of a doubleheader against Waldorf. The home Mustangs won 20-10 in the nightcap after dropping Game 1, 6-3, at Bishop Mueller Complex.

With six Great Plains Athletic Conference games left on the schedule, every run is important.

"It was awesome to see that momentum and have us stick with it," head coach Adam Boeve said. "We need every run, every time we step onto the field. I told the guys after Game 1, 'We only have 28 (conference) games, and we have to make the most out of them.' That sense of urgency is the excitement of it."

Morningside quickly erased a 3-0 deficit in Game 2, thanks to a Connor Woods RBI single, then Jaxon Bunkers tied the game with a two-run, second-inning single through the left side that also scored Luke Blackmon.

The Mustangs hit two home runs during the third inning. Jacob O'Dell drove in the go-ahead run with a solo homer, then Giacomo Crosetti hit a two-run homer.

The key hit in the fourth inning was a three-run single from Hayden Hixon, who drove in six runs in the nightcap as the designated hitter. He was 2-for-4, with both hits being doubles.

Woods and Michael Snyder drove in three runs.

Mason Hymer got the win in Game 2, pitching 5 1/3 innings. He allowed six runs on five hits and struck out two. Friday marked the second time Hymer started a game, and it also marked his longest outing of the season.

"He can go get outs in whatever role," Boeve said. "Finding guys who want to take starts, and he's stepped up. He solidified his spot in the rotation right now. He wants the ball all the time. He's relishing the moment. It doesn't matter when, and I love the success he's having."

In Game 1, Nathan Thomas, Ryan Kiolbassa, and Michael Delzell each drove in runs during the early-afternoon loss.