Mustangs Fall in Extra Innings Heartbreaker

BABSON PARK, Fla. — In a nail-biter on Friday, Mount Mercy (3-6) fell to eighth ranked Webber International (FL) (7-3) with a 4-3 walk-off defeat in the 11th inning. Christian Graves and Sam Wiese powered the Mustangs with home runs, but it wasn't enough to fend off Webber International's late surge.

Webber International jumped ahead early in the first inning. Ty Mathews grounded out to second, driving in Keegan Martin for a 1-0 lead. In the third, Mathews singled, again allowing Martin to score and stretching the lead to 2-0. Mount Mercy narrowed the gap in the fifth with a solo home run by Graves, making it 2-1.

Webber International responded in the sixth as Fabian Amaro launched a solo homer, pulling ahead 3-1. The Mustangs clawed back in the seventh. After Graves walked, Wiese blasted a two-run homer, leveling the score at 3-3. The deadlock persisted until the bottom of the 11th. With bases loaded, Mathews delivered a sacrifice fly, bringing David Zamora home to clinch the win for Webber International, 4-3.

Graves was a standout for the Mustangs, scoring twice and hitting a solo homer, along with a double and an RBI. Wiese added a two-run home run and swiped a base in his four at-bats. Yahirdavi Ortiz was sharp on defense, recording six assists from second base.

For Webber International, Martin impressed with two runs and four assists. Amaro's home run was a highlight, driving in one and scoring once. Tugg Hollandsworth was a force offensively with three hits and a 1.267 OPS.

Neal led Mount Mercy's pitching with 5 2/3 innings, giving up 10 hits and three earned runs while fanning seven. Jake Weissenberger provided 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out two. Cole Bormann pitched 2 2/3 innings, surrendering one run on two hits and taking the loss. On the Webber International side, Franklin's strong five-inning start allowed only one earned run on five hits with eight strikeouts. Bori's relief contribution allowed two runs on two hits with six strikeouts, and Zach Hessler closed the game with three scoreless innings, striking out six to secure the victory.

The Mustangs and Warriors continue the weekend series in Babson Park on Saturday with a doubleheader starting at 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET.